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This years Monsoon Season will comprise 24 race days, of which nine will be on weekends. This signifies an increase of three race days when compared to the preceding season. Indeed, punters have something to look forward to as the extended season will conclude on Wednesday, October 14. A healthy 145 races are scheduled to be run during these three and a half months.
The major attractions like the Classic, /Graded, and Sweepstakes races commence from August, after the horses have had time to settle down. The Calcutta Juvenile Sprint on August 8 is worth Rs. 5 lakh in added money, as indeed are the Calcutta Monsoon Sprint on September 19 and the Stewards Cup on October 4. On this very day (October 4) will be run the plum of the season, The Calcutta Monsoon Derby, with added money to the tune of Rs. 20 lakh. The minor Classics such as the Fillies Trial Stakes and Colts Trial Stakes will be run on September 12 and 19 respectively. Both will carry added money of Rs 10 lakh. The total prize money on offer during the season is a shade over Rs. 466 lakh. In addition, trophies worth Rs. 4.70 lakh will be presented to the winning owners of 44 Cup races.
As many as 21 A and 21 B licensed jockeys and 16 apprentices are expected to don silks during the season. Thus far, 19 A and five B licenses have been issued to trainers.
As usual, the large stables of Daniel David and Vijay Singh are likely to dominate the proceedings. Daniel, in particular, has 30 youngsters under his fold and will be a live force in the classics. Arti Doctor and Christopher Gleich have received A licenses. H.S Bath is another big name among trainers.
However, for punters out to make a fast buck with little investment, the yards to follow are Patrick Quinn, Vikash Jaiswal, Jasbir Singh and Sarfaraz Khan. Another man who never fails to produce an ace up his sleeve when least expected is John Stephens.
A large contingent of 455 horses, out of a total strength of 545, will participate during the season . The number may increase as the season progresses. This is a big jump from the 330 horses that took part last season.
The RCTC Tipsters Tally Contest and the RCTC Tipsters Cup will be contested as usual amongst accredited racing scribes.
