Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Heritage horse racing club in Kolkata, India
The Royal Calcutta Turf Club is a horse racing venue in Kolkata featuring a three-tiered main pavilion overlooking expansive grounds for races and horse training. The facility includes several stands arranged to give spectators clear views of the racing track and surrounding grounds.
The club was established in 1847 and became the governing body for 52 racecourses across British India and Burma. Its racing regulations shaped how horse racing developed throughout the entire region.
The name reflects royal patronage and colonial traditions that remain visible in how races are conducted today. Spectators from different social circles gather here on race days, making it a shared social space where people from across the city come together.
The club operates two main racing seasons, from July to October and from November to April, with events typically held on Saturdays. The winter months offer more comfortable weather for attending, while summer visits require preparation for heat and humidity.
The club created the Calcutta Derby Sweeps, a lottery that became the world's largest sweepstake event during the 1930s. This famous gambling institution attracted players from around the globe and put Kolkata on the world map as a major gambling center.
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