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The sport
There were eight full races, after the inaugural race was declared null and void because of a disruption on the tracks. Racing started at noon and ended at 4.30pm. Since the New Year races attract newbies and amateurs as well as veterans, the stands saw much debate and head-scratching over the odds, dividends, “place bets” and winning margins.
The crowd
Wednesday afternoon saw a record turnout — nearly 25,000! The young and young-at-heart of Calcutta turned up in their New Year best for some speed thrills, fashion moments, good food and great atmosphere under the kind winter sun.
“This is the second time I am coming for the New Year races and I find it extremely exciting. You’re guaranteed to have a good time here every year,” said businesswoman Kanika Satnaliwala, who paired her French Connection lace dress and Mango sweater with a red hat from Bangkok.
Style in the stands
Hemlines rose, sometimes asymmetrically, necklines plunged, sometimes dangerously, and everyone put their best fashion foot forward to make the first day of 2014 a rocking affair.
If silver and pearls ruled the accessory list, animal prints prowled on jackets, shoes and bags. As for headgear, just look far right! And it’s not just the ladies, the men notched up their fashion quotient too, looking dapper in pastel-coloured suits and zany Nehru jackets, the odd printed bandhgala thrown in.
Club speak:
“This was a record turnout. The New Year race tradition has been upheld and how! Everyone dressed up, played the betting game, had some fab food and enjoyed themselves to the fullest,” said Anit Casyab, assistant general manager (racing), RCTC.
