Kolkata: The commencement of Indian Turf Invitation Cup weekend was marked by Cyrus Madan’s address to a gathering of owners, professionals and the officials at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) here on Thursday. The Invitation Cup returns to the Calcutta Race Course on Saturday and Sunday after six years, as is the tradition. This weekend will see the crowning of the champions of Indian turf in their own rights.For the first time in the history of RCTC, Rs 40 million has been pumped in for the four graded races and the equine breeds vying for the championship.
For the record, 166 runners have been announced with 25 visiting and 16 local trainers, along with 51 jockeys, for the weekend.
The ante-post odds are on Karthik Ganapathy-nursed Juliette, who has a quote of Rs 1.25 to 1 on her back. The grey has notched up back-to-back Invitation Cup and is now vying for her third success in this prized event with her regular saddle partner Chotu Singh Jodha. The Stayers’ Cup has DYF from the stable of Adhirajsingh Jodha at Rs 1.50 to 1. The delegates and the officials from all over the country have assembled here to witness the best horses in the country craving to write their names in the Hall Of Fame books.
Sugar upsets in feature:
RH Sequeira-nursed Sugar posted an upset win in the Tungabhadra Plate at Malakpet on Thursday, the concluding day of the winter season.Hyderabad short results
(With Inter-Venue Dividends)
1: (7-8-6) Sugar 1; Vital Sign 2; Mikimoto 3.
2: (2-3-5) Sun Dancer 1; D Yes Boss 2; Clefairy 3.
3: (5-6-10) Code Blue 1; See My Attitude 2; Special Effort 3.
4: (5-4-2) D Minchu 1; Midsummer Star 2; Tripurari 3.
5: (8-2-4) Royal Pal 1; Crimson Son 2; Carnival Lady 3.