Moments before the first bell sounded across the lush lawns of the Bangalore Turf Club, a quiet but powerful scene unfolded. A young groom slipped a final reassuring stroke down the gleaming neck of a bay runner, whispering a promise of a fresh season ahead. The early crowd responded with applause, sensing the emotion of the moment — the return of live racing and the beginning of a new chapter.
The BTC race cards November 25 mark the long-awaited start of the Bangalore Winter Meeting, and the buzz in the grandstands is unmistakable.
A magnificent curtain-raiser awaits, with seven competitive races set to reawaken the iconic venue. Tradition, pride, and sporting excellence blend in an electrifying atmosphere as riders, trainers, and racing fans gear up for a season rich with promise. At the heart of opening day stands the celebrated Rajyotsava Trophy, the first major highlight of the winter calendar.
The Inauguration Plate Sets the Pace
The afternoon begins at 2:00 PM with The Inauguration Plate, a Class V contest over 1400 metres offering ₹4,50,000. Featuring runners rated 00 to 25, this opener allows rising prospects to launch their winter campaigns with momentum. Expect a lively early battle that sets the tone for the day.
Youthful Talent in The Kentucky Plate
At 2:30 PM comes The Kentucky Plate, a Maiden race for three-year-olds over 1200 metres with ₹7,50,000 on offer. Often a revealing stage for new stars, this race sparks curiosity and excitement as young horses take their first real competitive steps on the Bangalore turf.
Mid-Card Momentum in The Kudremukh Plate
The pace quickens at 3:00 PM with The Kudremukh Plate, a Class IV contest (rated 20 to 45) over 1400 metres, carrying prize money of ₹5,10,000. Improving horses and sharp tactical riding are expected to shape an intense mid-race showdown.
Sprinters Dominate The Belgaum Plate
Speed takes centre stage at 3:30 PM in The Belgaum Plate, a Class II event (rated 60 to 85) over 1200 metres. With ₹7,00,000 at stake, fast sprinters will demand precision and timing — a thrilling spectacle for fans of high-tempo racing.
The Rajyotsava Trophy – Pride of Opening Day
Highlight of the BTC race cards November 25
The feature event arrives at 4:00 PM, The Rajyotsava Trophy, run over 1400 metres and offering a handsome ₹11,00,000. Open to horses aged three years and over, it embodies the celebratory spirit of Karnataka Rajyotsava and attracts a star-studded field:
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Galahad – Jockey: Antony Raj S. | Trainer: S.S. Attaollahi
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Imperial Blue – Jockey: Arvind Kumar N. | Trainer: Irfan Ghatala
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Iron Clad – Jockey: Suraj Narredu | Trainer: G.T. Surender
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Kalamitsi – Jockey: Vivek G. | Trainer: S.S. Attaollahi
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Power of Beauty – Jockey: L. Alex Rozario | Trainer: Pradeep Annaiah
With Iron Clad arriving as a powerful contender under ace rider Suraj Narredu, and stablemates Galahad and Kalamitsi bringing strength to the Attaollahi yard, the battle for opening-day glory promises drama and class. Add the improving Power of Beauty and consistent Imperial Blue, and the feature shapes into a gripping contest worthy of its tradition.
Emotions Run High in The Jayanth Shah Memorial Trophy
At 4:30 PM, The Jayanth Shah Memorial Trophy brings sentiment and competitive quality together — a Class III race over 1400 metres, offering ₹6,30,000 and honouring a respected figure in the racing fraternity.
The Dudhsagar Falls Plate Concludes Opening Day
The finale at 5:00 PM, The Dudhsagar Falls Plate, returns to high-energy sprinting over 1200 metres for Class IV runners, worth ₹5,10,000. Like the waterfall it’s named after, the race is expected to close the day in a rush of excitement and fierce finishing power.
As the sun sets behind the grandstand, anticipation turns to action — the winter season is officially alive.
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