The wait is over – racing returns to the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) as the Bangalore Winter Meeting begins with a glittering opening day of seven exciting contests. The lush green turf, the thundering hooves, and the vibrant grandstands together signal the start of a brand-new chapter in the city’s celebrated racing tradition.
The spotlight shines brightest on the feature event – The Rajyotsava Trophy, a proud tribute to Karnataka Rajyotsava and the first major highlight of the season, featuring a stellar field of top-quality contenders.
The Inauguration Plate
The season begins in style with The Inauguration Plate, a Class V race for horses rated 00 to 25, run over 1400 metres at 2:00 PM. Offering a purse of ₹4,50,000, this opener sets the tone for the day, giving emerging runners a chance to kick off their winter campaign in winning fashion. Expect a spirited contest to mark the season’s opening stride.
The Kentucky Plate
At 2:30 PM, attention turns to The Kentucky Plate, a Maiden race for three-year-olds only, covering 1200 metres and offering ₹7,50,000 in prize money. This race often unveils fresh equine talent — young horses full of promise, eager to make a name for themselves on the Bangalore turf. The thrill of discovery makes this one a crowd favourite.
The Kudremukh Plate
The mid-afternoon excitement builds with The Kudremukh Plate, a Class IV contest for horses rated 20 to 45, run over 1400 metres at 3:00 PM. With ₹5,10,000 at stake, improving horses will be looking to assert their form early in the season. The race promises tactical rides, strong finishes, and an early test of racing rhythm on the fresh winter track.
The Belgaum Plate
Speed takes over at 3:30 PM with The Belgaum Plate, a Class II event for horses rated 60 to 85, covering 1200 metres for a purse of ₹7,00,000. Expect a fast and furious battle between top-rated sprinters, where timing and precision will decide who crosses the wire first.
The Rajyotsava Trophy – Feature Race of the Day
The grandeur of the afternoon peaks with the feature race, The Rajyotsava Trophy, scheduled for 4:00 PM. Open to three-year-olds and over, this 1400-metre showpiece carries a handsome prize of ₹11,00,000 and honours Karnataka’s Rajyotsava spirit.
The field boasts a star-studded lineup:
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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
Among this impressive lineup, Iron Clad brings strength and class to the forefront under ace jockey Suraj Narredu, while Galahad and Kalamitsi, both from the powerful Attaollahi stable, will look to dominate proceedings. Imperial Blue and Power of Beauty add intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling and high-quality feature — the perfect centrepiece for the Bangalore Winter Meeting.
The Jayanth Shah Memorial Trophy
At 4:30 PM, the action continues with The Jayanth Shah Memorial Trophy, a Class III race for horses rated 40 to 65, over 1400 metres with a prize of ₹6,30,000. Run in memory of a respected figure in the racing fraternity, this event combines emotion and excellence, featuring competitive fields and top riding talent.
The Dudhsagar Falls Plate
The opening day concludes at 5:00 PM with The Dudhsagar Falls Plate, a Class IV event for horses rated 20 to 45, covering 1200 metres for ₹5,10,000. Much like its namesake waterfall, this finale promises to flow with energy, excitement, and a dramatic finish to close out the first meeting of the season.
Stay tuned to RaceBuzz for live results, insights, and expert coverage of the Bangalore Winter Meeting 2025, as the season unfolds on one of India’s most iconic racing turfs.
