RCTC Monsoon Season set to start
By Aalibaba (indiathoroughbreds@hotmail.com)

Kolkata
July 12, 2006

A perfect start to the 2006 Kolkata Monsoon Season is expected on Friday 14th July as the rains have been plentiful since the beginning of the week and the track looks in great condition. The start of the season, which normally begins in the first week of July, had been deferred in view of an extra race-meeting during March 2007 when the Royal Calcutta Turf Club plays host to the Indian Turf Invitation Cup.

The present horse-strength at the Hastings stables is 257 but more runners are expected after the conclusion of the summer season in Bangalore. The 15-day long Calcutta season concludes on October 11.

The monsoon prospectus, in view of the restricted horse-count, does not offer the luxury of twice a week racing. This curtailed racing programme alongwith the lack of a hike in stake money is certain to make the coming season devoid of much interest. The Rs.1.26 crore offered during the season is almost the same as last monsoon season's Rs 1.22 crore. However, the Senior Steward

Gen. Shanker Roychowdhury explained at the press-meet on Wednesday evening that the stakes will be amply compensated during the winter season.

Among the trainers, Daniel David and Errol Bhungard, both of whom train for Dr MAM Ramaswamy, look set to dominate the season.

Jockeys Rajinder and N.Pandey have joined the local ranks in view of the Delhi-based trainer Shafiq Khan switching headquarters. The two jockeys will also do duty for the father-son combo of trainers Taraknath and Vikash.

One hopes that this monsoon season provides enough excitement to race-goers so that RCTC is able to conduct the far more prestigious winter season in grand style.