At a press conference on the lawns of the Calcutta race course on Thursday, questions were asked and answers given in a lively session moderated by Mr. Cyrus Madan, RCTC Steward. Mr Madan is articulate, smooth and precise. His remarks are often punctuated by a touch of humor. He deserves the lion’s share of the credit for RCTC’s revival and you could sense an unmistakable sense of optimism in his inflection as he spoke about Calcutta’s ‘ups and downs’ and how ‘up’ was getting the better of ‘down.’

Another name that should be mentioned is that of Boman Parekh. Mr. Parekh, RCTC’s Secretary, has been working tirelessly. He oversees every little detail and he is seldom satisfied as he demands perfection which he rarely gets. 

I asked trainer Vijay Singh if he would have raced Silver Print if the Invitation Cup had been held elsewhere. “Oh God, No,” was his quick response. Thanks, Mr. Singh, for a runner in the Invitation Cup. 

Robert Foley gave a fair answer to a simple question. My question was, “after having ridden Diabolical in the Indian Derby to a win over the undefeated Southern Empire, do you know the reason why Colm O’Donoghue has chosen Southern Empire on Sunday?”

Foley needed no time for reflection, “that’s what my boss (Dr. M A M) wanted. I have been told not to say anything more.” 

“Haunting Memories will not have a problem making the distance adjustment in the 1200-metre Sprinters’ Cup,” Foley averred.  

Talking about Secret Memory, Robert Foley was emphatic that the drop-back in distance will pose no problem. Secret Memory is an odds on choice in Sunday’s Super Mile. 

Jaggy Dhariwal exuded quiet confidence when discussing Caprese’s chances in the Sprinter’s Cup on Saturday. “The short Calcutta homestretch will suit Caprese just fine. Caprese is in fine form,” Dhariwal said. 

Aperitivo’s trainer, Vijay Singh showed commendable restraint when speaking about his trainee’s rosy prospects in Saturday’s Stayers’ Cup. I asked him if the terms favored Aperitivo. The implication was whether Aperitivo would be giving weight if the race was a handicap. “I don’t know. All I can tell you is that my horse loves this race course and is ready to do his best.” 

The correspondent for the Statesman interjected to say that the terms overwhelmingly favor Aperitivo. That was valuable insight. 

Richard Alford has his hope-level high about Get Fresh in the Sprinters’ Cup on Saturday. “I have been asked if my jockey followed instructions when disputing the lead last time out. These things happen. The bottom line is that my horse has been doing very well in Calcutta. I am sure he will be a factor.” 

Dr Veerendra Kaja and Mr. Mukundan Chettiyappa spoke about Hyderabad Race Club’s new project. The HRC is establishing a library and a museum with emphasis on Indian breeding. The idea is to educate the fan, provide up-to-date information and provide archives of race replays and results. This is a laudable undertaking.

No bookmakers were present to give the probable odds. Their reluctance is understandable. There are duplicate entries. The fields are small by normal Invitation Cup standards.

As Cyrus Madan put it, “a glorious weekend is ahead.” Let us all enjoy it.