Calcutta: Racing on New Year’s Day at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) has long been a highlight on the city’s social calendar, and this year was no exception. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, sumptuous food, live music, and, of course, top-class horse racing, the event drew a significant crowd, eager to soak in the tradition.
After a promising start to the day, the unexpected took center stage as favorites fell like ninepins through the afternoon, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. The competition was fierce, delivering a spectacle that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Among the standout performers, trainer Dr. Anil Kumar and jockey Ashhad Asbar teamed up to secure an impressive double. Trainer Bharath Singh also achieved a double, aided by the much-improved riding of R. Vaibhav. Meanwhile, Aashay Doctor made his mark with two wins through jockeys S. Saqlain and Yash Narredu.
Yash Narredu further enhanced his day with a superb double, capped off by a thrilling victory aboard Sky Force.
The Indian Produce Stakes for three-year-olds, the centerpiece of the afternoon, unveiled a star in the making. Aashay Doctor’s Pantazi, with Yash Narredu in the saddle, delivered a scintillating barrier-to-finish performance, leaving the field in its wake. In the final furlong, Pantazi turned on the jets, crossing the line in style and stamping its authority as one to watch. The fight for the minor honors was fierce, with the gutsy Kyoto (Neeraj Rawal) overcoming a weight disadvantage to grab second, while Abhicandra and Multi Success followed in hot pursuit.
The RCTC Gold Vase, a high-stakes middle-distance showdown, brought the crowd to its feet. Adhiraj Jodha’s Golden Kingdom, a 16/10 favourite under Suraj, set a blistering pace from the front, but it was Bharath Singh’s Ramiel who stole the show. Held back in the early stages by R. Vaibhav, Ramiel unleashed a devastating turn of foot in the stretch on the wide out, storming past rivals to claim an emphatic victory. Ownermate Trevalius (A. Prakash) came flying in the closing strides to take second berth, while the early leader Golden Kingdom settled for third.
Observations from the Day’s Races
First Race: The Red FM 93.5 Cup (1-26), 2,000m
Trainer Neil Darashah’s The Presence (J.H. Arul) emerged as a firm favorite, enjoying strong support despite returning to the track after nearly a year. The four-year-old daughter of Multitude secured a narrow victory over Magnite (R. Manish) in a thrilling finish, while stablemate Winter Star delivered a decent third-place performance.
Second Race: The Shourisha Cup (Div-1) (21-46), 1,100m
Trainer Bharath Singh’s Eagles Flight (R. Vaibhav) showcased yet another clinical performance, leading from start to finish to complete a hat-trick. Meanwhile, public favorite Asagari (Suraj Narredu) stumbled near the 600m mark, losing momentum. No Worry (Imran Chisty) made a late charge from the rear to claim second place, while Zarafat (P.S. Kaviraj) edged out Tres Bien and Sabar for the minor spots. With judicious placement, Eagles Flight could continue her winning streak.
Third Race: The Shourisha Cup (Div-2) (21-46), 1,100m
In an open betting affair, Trainer Dr. Anil Kumar’s Mathangi (Ashhad Asbar) broke her winless streak with a commanding performance. Last-start winner Honey Cake (app. Abhishek Mhatre) tried runaway tactics but was overtaken by Mathangi. Madras Cheque (app. Sonu Mishra), despite travelling wide for most part of the trip, finished a commendable third.
Fourth Race: The Xotica Cup (61-86), 1,400m
After an impressive run in the 2000 Guineas, Rajesh Narredu-trained Global Influence (Suraj Narredu) entered as the afternoon’s hottest favorite but fell short in a dramatic finish. Assuming command at the bend, Global Influence succumbed to the late onslaught of Raffaello (S. Saqlain), who delivered a hard-fought victory. Dr. Doom flashed late to secure third place.
Fifth Race: The Falcon Cup (41-66), 1,600m
Rutherford Afford’s Sativur (Imran Chisty) dazzled with an explosive turn of foot, dominating the field despite drifting out in the straight. Norwegian Wood (Vivek G) edged out True Faith (Neeraj Rawal) for the runner-up spot.
Eighth Race: The Vallerysthal Cup (Div-1) (41-66), 1,100m (No Whip Race)
Trainer Dr. Kumar’s consistent performer Liban (Ashhad Asbar) staged a thrilling upset, defeating favorite Dona Sienna (Vivek G) in the final stride after a fierce battle down the straight. Last-start winner Pure for Sure (P.S. Kaviraj) also contested strongly, making it an exciting three-way finish.
Ninth Race: The Vallerysthal Cup (Div-2) (41-66), 1,100m (No Whip Race)
Trainer Arti Doctor’s Sky Force (Yash Narredu) lived up to expectations with a dominant, front-running performance, leaving rivals in her wake to secure an easy victory. Gimmler (app. Faiz) finished second with a commendable effort, ahead of Superlative.
The day’s races delivered exhilarating finishes and notable performances, with standout victories from Pantazi, Ramiel, Eagles Flight, Sativur, and Sky Force. Fans were treated to a thrilling afternoon of racing, filled with surprises and competitive action.