Race season encompasses 22 race days

Boast a substantial prize pool of Rs 13.26 crore

Races scheduled mainly for Fridays and Saturdays

According to Aravind Raghavan, the chairman of the Bangalore Turf Club, the Bangalore winter racing season is set to kick off on November 3. The season will encompass 22 race days and boast a substantial prize pool of Rs 13.26 crore.

Scheduled mainly for Fridays and Saturdays, the races will feature the participation of 24 licensed trainers and approximately 118 jockeys. The highlight event, the Bangalore Winter Derby, which is scheduled for Republic Day next year, will award the victorious contender a generous sum of Rs 1 crore.

Alongside this prominent race, there are three other classic races: the Bangalore 1000 Guineas (Grade II), Bangalore 2000 Guineas (Grade II), and Bangalore Oaks (Grade II).

Expressing optimism, Raghavan expressed his hope that the winter season would proceed without any disruptions, despite ongoing speculations about the state government’s intention for the BTC to vacate the premises. Nevertheless, the BTC is unwilling to relinquish its current location easily.

“We currently occupy 70 acres. We are prepared to relocate, provided they offer us suitable alternative land, along with necessary administrative and financial support,” stated Raghavan.

He further elaborated that they have two options in mind. The first involves the government providing us with an alternative location within the city limits, preferably near the new Airport road for easy access. Alternatively, if the authorities want us to move outside the city, we request the retention of seven acres within our current premises. This portion includes the administrative block, the existing clubhouse, and the betting ring, ensuring a centralized betting hub within the city, in addition to the racing center located 50-60km away.