IAF Cup & EAC Cup Races Held at Historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club

The prestigious Indian Air Force Cup and Eastern Air Command Cup races were held at the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club in Kolkata. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, graced the event as Chief Guest and presented the IAF Cup. The event, attended by senior officers from various armed forces, featured a performance by the Indian Air Force Band and celebrated the long-standing association between the IAF and the RCTC. The races were won by horses Abhicandra and Laguna Seca.

Key Points: IAF & EAC Cup Races at Royal Calcutta Turf Club

  • IAF & EAC Cup races held at RCTC
  • Air Chief Marshal AP Singh was Chief Guest
  • Event underscores armed forces unity
  • IAF Band performed for audience
  • Races commemorate IAF-RCTC association since 1996
2 min read

IAF & EAC Cup races held at Royal Calcutta Turf Club

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh presented the IAF Cup at the prestigious races in Kolkata, celebrating the bond between the IAF and the RCTC.

"a significant milestone in fostering camaraderie - Air Chief Marshal AP Singh"

Kolkata, February 26

The prestigious Indian Air Force Cup and Eastern Air Command Cup races were conducted with grandeur at the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club on Wednesday. These annual fixtures, instituted in 1996, commemorate the strong association between the Indian Air Force and the RCTC, according to a release.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and presented the coveted IAF Cup to the winner. Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, presented the EAC Cup. The event saw enthusiastic participation and was attended by senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, further underscoring the unity among India's armed forces.

Adding to the splendour of the day was an enthralling performance by the Indian Air Force Band, which captivated the audience with its harmonious renditions, embodying the spirit and pride of the Air Force.

The RCTC, founded in 1847 and bestowed the title "Royal" in 1912, remains one of the most prestigious horse racing organisations in the country. It continues to host the IAF and EAC Cup races as a tribute to the rich heritage and contributions of the Indian Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh lauded the event as a significant milestone in fostering camaraderie and strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the community as a whole.The Indian Air Force remains committed to promoting excellence and partnerships across diverse domains, and events like these exemplify its enduring legacy of professionalism, pride, and unity.

Races were won by the respective horses:

IAF CUP

Horse: AbhicandraJockey: Antony Raj S.Owner: Mr Vikram Bachhawat

EAC Cup

Horse: Laguna SecaJockey: MS DeoraOwner: Caimhill stud farms Pvt td & Sarainaga Racing Pvt Ltd.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The RCTC is such a historic venue. My grandfather used to talk about races there. Glad to see the tradition continuing and supporting our Air Force. Congratulations to the winners!
R
Rohit P
Events like these are important for morale and public engagement. But I do hope the focus remains on the core mission of our armed forces. A bit of pageantry is fine, but let's not forget the real heroes on the borders.
S
Sarah B
Fascinating read! The blend of military tradition and sporting history is unique. "Abhicandra" is a beautiful name for a winning horse. Well done to all involved.
V
Vikram M
Great to see the unity among Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force officers. This is the spirit we need. Also, horse racing is a sport of kings, and Kolkata does it with such class! 🏇
M
Michael C
The history of the RCTC is incredible—founded in 1847! It's impressive how India preserves these institutions while giving them a modern, national character linked to the armed forces.

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