The highlight of the opening day at the Bangalore Turf Club’s Summer Meeting 2025 unfolded in commanding fashion as IMPERIAL BLUE stormed to a memorable win in the B.T.C. Charitable Trust Trophy, the most prestigious contest on Saturday’s card. Held at 4:00 PM and reserved for elite horses rated 80 and above, the 1200-meter dash brought together some of the finest speedsters in training and did not disappoint.
With a total prize purse of Rs. 11,00,000, including Rs. 5,50,000 and the coveted trophy for the winner, the race was not just a test of speed but a show of supremacy. It was Pavan, astride Imperial Blue, who rose to the occasion in 1:15.83. Under the expert guidance of trainer Irfan Ghatala, Imperial Blue exploded from the gates and never looked back, sealing the race with a dominant performance that had the crowd roaring in appreciation. The victory further burnished the colt’s growing reputation on the Indian racing circuit.
Finishing a game second was RICARDO, ridden by top jockey A. Sandesh and trained by Arjun Mangalorkar in 1:16.46. Despite a strong late charge, Ricardo could not close the gap and had to settle for runner-up honours in a valiant effort.
CZAR, also hailing from the Mangalorkar yard and partnered by jockey Aleemuddin, rounded off the top three by taking 1:16.68. His performance added to an already strong day for the trainer, with both his charges featuring in the frame of the day’s marquee event.
Presented by the Bangalore Turf Club Ltd., the trophy—worth Rs. 30,000—held immense symbolic value, representing both history and high achievement. Imperial Blue’s triumph was the crowning moment of an exhilarating race day and a clear signal that the summer season at BTC is set to be fiercely competitive and richly entertaining.
Up next on the race card is The Welcome Plate, continuing what has already been a cracking start to the season.
