On 25 February 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Cup and Eastern Air Command (EAC) Cup races were held at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC). These annual races, which began in 1996, celebrate the relationship between the IAF and the RCTC. The RCTC was founded in 1847 and was given the title 'Royal' in 1912. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, was the Chief Guest and distributed prizes along with Air Marshal IS Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command. The winner of the IAF Cup was Antony Raj S on Abhicandra, owned by Mr Vikram Bachhawat. The EAC Cup was won by MS Deora on Laguna Seca, owned by M/s Caimhill stud farms Pvt td & M/s Sarainaga Racing Pvt Ltd. Senior officers from the Army, Navy, IAF, and Coast Guard attended the event. The Indian Air Force Band performed. The visitor counter is 132.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Air Force (IAF): Participates in and is associated with the IAF Cup races.
Eastern Air Command (EAC): Participates in and is associated with the EAC Cup races.
Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC): Hosts the IAF and EAC Cup races; an important horse racing organization.
Ministry of Defence: The official ministry associated with the IAF and the event.
Ministry of Defence
IAF AND EAC CUP RACES HELD AT ROYAL
CALCUTTA TURF CLUB
Posted On: 25 FEB 2026 7:39PM by PIB Delhi
The prestigious Indian Air Force (IAF) Cup and Eastern Air Command (EAC) Cup races were conducted
with grandeur at the historic Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) on 25 February 2026. These annual
fixtures, instituted in 1996, commemorate the strong association between the Indian Air Force and the
RCTC.
The RCTC, founded in 1847 and bestowed the title 'Royal' in 1912, remains one of the most prestigious
horse racing organizations in the country. Since then 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, Chief of the Air Staff, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and distributed
the prizes along with Air Marshal IS Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command.
This year the winner of the IAF cup was Antony Raj S. On his horse Abhicandra owned by Mr Vikram
Bachhawat. While the EAC cup was lifted by MS Deora on his charger Laguna Seca owned by M/s
Caimhill stud farms Pvt td & M/s Sarainaga Racing Pvt Ltd.
Chief of the Air Staff lauded the event as a significant milestone in fostering camaraderie and
strengthening the bond between the defence forces and the community as a whole The event saw
enthusiastic participation and was attended by senior officers from the Army, Navy, IAF as well as Coast
Guard, underscoring the unity among India's defence forces. An enthralling performance by the Indian Air
Force Band, added to the splendour of the day captivating the audience with its harmonious renditions,
embodying the spirit and pride of the Air Force.***
VK/JS/IK
(Release ID: 2232820) Visitor Counter : 132
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