Bengaluru’s Turf Tradition Finds Fresh Pastures in Kunigal

The iconic Bangalore Turf Club, a fixture in the city for more than a century, is preparing for a historic relocation. Following a Karnataka Cabinet decision, racing activities will shift to Kunigal Stud Farm, ending years of uncertainty after a 2010 High Court directive to vacate the current premises.  

Key Highlights

• New Location: 101.24 acres at Kunigal Stud Farm plus 8.36 acres along the Bengaluru–Hassan highway leased for 29 years.  
• Financial Terms: Annual rent fixed at 2.5% of guideline value, amounting to nearly ₹39 crore.  
• Timeline: BTC expected to fully relocate operations within two years.  
• Heritage Concerns: Environmental groups warn relocation may impact Kunigal’s horse-breeding legacy, biodiversity, and lake ecosystem.  
• Government’s Stand: Move seen as a step toward resolving long-standing disputes and modernizing racing infrastructure.  

This relocation marks both the end of an era in Bengaluru’s urban core and the beginning of a new chapter for Karnataka’s racing industry, balancing tradition, development, and ecological responsibility.  

Sources: Deccan Herald, The Hans India, Bangalore Mirror