The 160-year old Royal Calcutta Turf Club is in revival mode, with plans of a bigger derby, night races and a heritage club. In an interview with Anuradha Himatsingka, MD, Eveready Industries India Deepak Khaitan, a member, says he is hoping for exciting times ahead. Khaitan's flashy chestnut Hall Of Glory is running for pride at Sunday's Calcutta Derby. Excerpts from the interview: Where do you see
RCTC headed towards in the near future?
I am very upbeat about Bengal and about RCTC. In three years we will see the Turf Club becoming a premier club in the country and regain its past glory. Today, it is already a major centre of interest. So much so that the
Calcutta Derby is offering a total prize money of Rs 1.07 crore, the highest offered for a race here this season. The winner will receive Rs 62.68 lakh and a trophy of Rs 1 lakh.
What initiatives are being taken to make it a premier club?
We are in talks with the defense department for renewal of the lease for the 153 acres race course which houses the club. Some financial restructuring, additional income from its Russell Street property, which is being converted into a heritage club in collaboration with upcountry real estate major Emaar MGF Land has infused a fresh lease of life into the club. The club intends to use the proceeds to renovate the heritage building within the premises. Part of the work has already begun. We improved training facilities, refurbished the galleries as well as the existing stables and increased the number of stables from 370 four years ago to 770 now.
Any other initiative to make it the country's best club?
Since the lease is up for renewal, we have requested defense authorities to allow night racing. If that happens, there would be evening racing with live television coverage shortly. The move will also transform the race course into a major social gathering spot. In foreign countries, race courses offer restaurants and bar as well as various outlets for various social activities. These race courses are actually part of social lives in countries like HongKong Singapore, the UK as well as the USA. We are also contemplating setting up restaurants within the premises for all. Located near the Victoria Memorial, race course with its wonderful surroundings and serene atmosphere, I feel, is the best place to spend the afternoon instead of window shopping at a mall.
Do you plan to introduce horse betting ?
Of course, betting would also be introduced soon four outstation betting terminals having received the state government approval for the same. These are outlets outside the city where terminals project various races and individuals can place their bet and win prize money. Other metros like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad already has betting centres across the country. There would be no online betting.
How long have you been associated with horse racing and RCTC?
I have been coming here since I was 19, that was sometime in 1974. But I became passionate about it only in 1985. I owned Romantic Dancer at the time. Today, I have one of the best colt, Dandy Fied. My father led in his first winner as early as 1949 and I tasted my first success on the turf in 1984. My family has enjoyed a long association with RCTC. I remember when Elusive Pimpernel ran in the Invitation Cup of 1995, people flocked from far and wide to get a glimpse of this wonder horse.
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