Fashionable hats, colourful outfits and an adrenaline rush , Kolkata fashionistas dazzle at historic race

The first edition of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Cup at a turf club in the city on Saturday afternoon was a race to remember. For one, it was actually the 69th edition of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Cup, which has been rechristened after the British monarch’s demise. In attendance was British Deputy High Commissioner to India Christina Scott and the who’s who of the city. “The handing over of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Cup has been emotional and overwhelming. This will maintain the Royal Family’s and the United Kingdom’s link with one of the classics of Indian horseracing calendars,” said Christina. Christina, who’s already had her first brush with Kolkata and its unpredictable weather, said, “I’m on my second visit to Kolkata this time. The experience has been great so far. The rich culture, heritage and colonial architecture have been spellbinding,” she added.

Six horses — Botero, Cliffhanger, Stockbridge, Psychic Force, Mandeville and Arabian Queen — vied for the coveted trophy, with Botero and jockey Trevor Patel winning the 2,800-metre race.

GLAMOUR GALORE IN SPRING SHADES IN THE STANDS
From donning snazzy hats to being beautifully dressed in the colours of the season, the spectators ushered in Kolkata’s spring racing season with great trackside fashion at the memorial race. From bright yellow, floral printed dresses to pant suits with monochrome shades, bright colours ruled the stands. Preeti Sharma, who was elegantly dressed in an orangish bodycon skirt and an off shoulder top, and Prashant Sharma, who looked uber cool in an olive green blazer-suit, won under the best dressed female and best dressed male awards.