On January 7, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club hosted the second day of the Kolkata Winter Meeting 2023-24, featuring the highly anticipated Derby Stakes. The day offered a perfect blend of sun and chill, featuring eight promising races that drew in enthusiasts, from elites to first-timers. The event saw a significant turnout, with 4,000 club members and an audience of 12,000 people, all indulging in the thrill and excitement.
The scoreboard
Mohammed Shakeel, owner of over 10 horses in Calcutta, had two of his horses, Oh My Darling and Time, in the first race. “I admired the respect racing owners receive, and that drew me in,” he said, speaking about what led to him becoming a horse owner. “Being a horse owner means combining authority with love for the horses. I truly love them. It's not just about gambling; it involves significant costs for horse care. Wins and losses happen, but luck plays a big part — winning helps balance the costs,” he added.
In the initial race, The Telegraph Cup, Vinay Jaiswal secured victory riding Flying Scotsman. A Kolkata native, Vinay is a freelance jockey overseeing 15 to 18 horses daily, participating in approximately 110 to 120 races every winter and 50 races in the monsoon season. Reflecting on his journey, he shared how his father got him interested in being a jockey. “My father, a retired horse trainer, sparked my interest in becoming a jockey from a young age. I apprenticed under him, and even at 77, he continues to be my mentor.”
Suraj Narredu guided Long Lease to win this season's Derby Stakes
In the second race, The JSK1 Mile Cup, Veneno, ridden by jockey A.K. Aniket, emerged victorious. The third race, The JSK1 Ultimate Dash Cup, saw Speculator, guided by jockey P. Trevor, claiming the win.
Fort Nelson, under the guidance of jockey S. Zervan and trainer Neil Darashah, secured victory in The Sunrise Song Handicap Div. I, the fourth race of the day. The fifth race, The Sunrise Song Handicap Div. II, witnessed Cosmic Cowboy, also under Mr. Darashah’s training and ridden by jockey Neeraj Rawal, clinching the win. S. Zervan secured his second triumph of the day in the sixth race, The Trafalgar Cup, riding Cool Rider, also trained by Mr. Darashah. Securing three consecutive wins marked a significant achievement for Mr. Darashah.
The JSK1 Calcutta Derby Stakes, featuring a winning prize of Rs 61,38,750 and a cup valued at Rs 1,00,000, was claimed by the Poonawalla’s splendid red horse, Long Lease, ridden by Suraj Narredu. The final race of the day, JSK1 Live Sports Gaming Cup, saw Black Eagle securing victory with jockey P.S. Chouhan.
A day of highs and lows
Derby Day attendees showcased classic racing hats and chic attire, adding a touch of sophistication to the day
Race day witnessed a lively crowd donning elegant hats and stylish attire, infusing sophistication into the atmosphere, while 6 Ballygunge Place curated yet another wonderful spread. The range of dishes included salads, roasts, and lasagna, seamlessly complementing the overall ambience.
Many believe horse racing is a dying sport with heavy taxes imposed by the government and high upkeep costs. Even though the racing community in India is doing their best to keep the sport alive and take horse racing as a serious sport — a game of skills that has more to it than being a game of betting — the taxes continue to be a bone of contention.
Despite the winning smiles and betting rush, not all moments were cheerful on the race day. Sea the Sun suffered a vessel burst, leading to bleeding from its nostril, rendering the horse unfit for any races for at least a month. A more tragic fate awaited Hornbill as it suffered a cardiac arrest. Both these horses were strong contenders for the Derby Stakes.
