Horse racing in India began during the British colonial period, emerging as a prominent pastime among British officials and Indian elites. The sport’s introduction was closely tied to the socio-political dynamics of the colonial era, where it served as both an entertainment and a symbol of power, prestige, and status. The status and class conscious British in order to feel at home brought their passion for horse racing to India,. the aim was to recreate their homeland’s traditions and amusements, which included this aristocratic sport on the week ends to be with their families.
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| RCTS reserve stand, Calcutta architectonicservices.com |
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| interior RCTS reserve stand, Calcutta architectonicservices.com |
Above image: The reserve Stand of the RCTC was completed in 1921 with typical Edwardian Architecture, adapted to suit the Indian context
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| RCTC, Calcutta, W.B. sallybosleysbadgeshop.com |
The earliest records of horse racing in India date back to the late 18th century, with informal races held in Bengal and Madras. However, it was on January 16 1769 that the first official race was conducted at Akra, near Calcutta (modern-day Kolkata). The event took place here in the next forty years. Governor Lord Wellesley put a ban on horse racing in 1798, but five years later the Bengal Jockey Club resumed racing at Akra.
This event marked the beginning of a more structured approach to horse racing, which quickly gained popularity among the colonial community. The primary reason for the development of horse racing in India was the availability of expansive open spaces, a climate conducive to horse breeding, and the presence of Indian royalty, who enthusiastically supported the sport as a way to align themselves with British customs and social circles.
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| RCIC stand in 1845 puronokolkata.com |
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| Royal Calcutta Turf Club Race Viceroy's Cup Day, c.1910. en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: In 1856 the Calcutta Derby was replaced by the Viceroy’s Cup. .....
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| Calcutta Turf Club race course stands before 1905 en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: In 1812 the club laid out a new course at approximately the current race course location. The race course is in the southwest part of the Maidan. A viewing stand was built in 1820........
The oldest and most prestigious horse racing institution in India is the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC), established on February 1847. The club was run by 5 members who were selected by ballot. Located in the heart of colonial Calcutta, the RCTC played a transformative role in formalizing horse racing as an organized sport in India. The club was modeled after England’s Jockey Club and became the regulating authority for horse racing in India and its neighboring regions, including Burma. Its establishment marked a shift from informal, unregulated races to professional competitions governed by strict rules and handicapping systems. One of the popular racing events of RCTC was the Viceroy's Cup day.
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| Flying Jackie pinrest.com |
In 1809 Maidan an expansive open space in Calcutta city, became the primary venue for races with fanfare organized by the RCTC. By the mid-19th century, the club had gained significant influence, managing races across India and standardizing procedures, thus cementing its position as the epicenter of Indian horse racing.
The success of the RCTC encouraged the establishment of similar clubs in other colonial cities, such as the Madras Race Club (1837), Bangalore Turf Club, and Bombay Turf Club, further popularizing the sport. The strategic location of India on colonial trade routes also facilitated the import of high-quality horses from Europe and the Middle East, enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of horse racing. Over time, the sport evolved into a cultural and social phenomenon, blending colonial traditions with Indian participation, leaving an enduring legacy in modern India. Today, the RCTC stands as a testament to the sport’s rich history and its origins in the colonial era.
This sporting event was encouraged by the Indian Royalty to ape the British Culture and tradition, Apart, they were keen to safeguard their Crown, kingdom and Royal status which they had enjoyed for centuries as they were concerned about land-grabbing binge followed by the early officials under the East India Company.
India established its identity later in thoroughbred breeding, with strict regulations restricting racing to Indian-bred horses. The Indian Stud Book meticulously records breeding activities, ensuring high standards. The racing Club was also a money spinning business for the Brutish and Royals in the past era. Based on:
https://www.navrangindia.in/2016/12/historical-royal-calcutta-turf.html
https://www.architectonicservices.com/projects/the-reserve-stand-royal-calcutta-turf-club/
https://puronokolkata.com/2014/01/06/royal-calcutta-turf-club-calcutta-1845/
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 - First Structured Horse Racing Club in Early Colonial India ){kind=link}