The Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC), which seemed to be in terminal decline these past few years, looks set for a revival in its fortunes if recent announcements regarding the forthcoming winter season are anything to go by.

In a major boost to racing in general and race horse ownership in particular the Stewards of RCTC have doubled the stake money for handicap races from last year`s level and in addition the Added Money for the Terms/ Sweepstakes Races have also been increased substantially.

The Calcutta classics, which suffered tremendously in comparison with similar races run at other centres in the country, will now boast of stakes that make them extremely attractive. The Classic Races for the 2008 -09 season will feature the highest stakes ever offered by the RCTC with The 1000 and 2000 Guineas each having added money of Rs. 15lakhs while the Oaks and the St.Leger will guarantee Rs.10 lakhs each. The CALCUTTA DERBY now sports a whopping Rs.30 lakhs by way of added stakes.

What is even more heartening to note is that the RCTC has also given due recognition to some of its traditionally prestigious races for older horses like the Calcutta Gold Cup (1600m), the Indian Champion Cup (2000m) and the Queen Elizabeth Cup (2800m). All three races will now have added stakes of Rs.15 lakhs each. A sprint race, the Calcutta Champions Sprint (1200m), also for older horses, will have Rs.10 lakhs guaranteed by the RCTC. For too many years now the major events for older horses around the country have been neglected and one hopes that the initiative taken by RCTC will be replicated by the other turf clubs.

It will take a little time for Calcutta to regain its status as an attractive racing venue but the right steps have been taken and in the long run this will benefit Indian racing as a whole. In the meantime Calcutta based owners have been shopping for horses at other centres and these new recruits will soon be arriving at Hastings.


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