Horse Racing: A Heritage Retained 

As the main racing season is about to begin, let us discuss  Kolkata’s RCTC, the organization that pioneered horse racing in the country, and how the sport is intrinsic to Kolkata.

The Royal Calcutta Turf Club, popularly known as RCTC, boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery of any race course in the world. Cuddled up in the heart of bustling urban Kolkata, it has often been referred to as the ‘lungs of the city’, due to its vast expanse of greenery and the magnificent Victoria Memorial that serves as its backdrop. As you walk through the turf, you can almost hear the peaceful whispers of the grass. This land was once owned by the monarchs of colonial Britain and has hosted many generations who have come to embrace Kolkata as their own home. Visitors still flock to the stands to watch the ‘sport of kings’, which remains as popular as ever.

Though horse racing in erstwhile Calcutta was popular even before the RCTC came into existence, races were run at a place called Akra, where the racing tracks were narrow. Hardly four horses could run a race side by side. Then around the year 1809, the racing venue was relocated from Akra to its current location, Maidan in central Kolkata. Presently the RCTC operates the Kolkata Race Course in Maidan.

The Royal Calcutta Turf Club, established in 1847 in erstwhile Calcutta, stands as a timeless icon of India’s equestrian heritage, embodying the spirit of excellence since the British Raj. At one point in time, RCTC was the governing body for almost all racecourses in the subcontinent and was responsible for defining and enforcing the rules that governed the sport. The year 1847 was a significant milestone for Kolkata because the establishment of RCTC boosted the city’s bustling racing scene.

Today, the city has two large stables where thoroughbred horses are kept. One of them is located at the RCTC in Maidan, while the other one is situated on Bakery Road at Hastings. The stable at Bakery Road can house up to 400 horses, whereas RCTC can accommodate 250 horses. The horses that are kept in these stables come from stud farms. The mares, who have won races, are mated with imported stallions once they retire. A thoroughbred horse can cost from Rs.5 lakh up to 1 crore.

Kolkata’s racing calendar somewhat starts from July with the main season being November to April. The races are conducted by RCTC.

The RCTC and its horses, handsome creatures with shiny coats continue to glorify the city’s and indeed the country’s heritage. As the main winter season starts in November, the Kolkata Race Course vibrates with the galloping sounds, raising dust and hope.

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