It is believed that racing took place on the Agram Plains in Bangalore as early as 1855. The military forces decided that racing should be moved from this venue to a new course at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, but this was not an ideal venue and further work was done on securing a more suitable place. This proved to be the 'High Grounds' for which a perpetual lease was granted by 'The Government of His Highness' in 1915. The Bangalore Race Club was formed in 1920 and took over the running of the course from the previous control group, the Race Club and Stewards of Bangalore Races in 1921. The course, located near the city centre, is a right handed oval turf course of 10 furlongs. Racing continued throughout the 20's, 30's and 40's but had to be suspended during the hostilities of World War II, with the military needing to use the site.
By 1951 the Stewards of Bangalore Races had met with 2 other prominent groups to try to form a South India Turf Club to manage the racecourses at Bangalore, Secunderabad and Madras. This club was eventually formed in 1953 and remained together for 13 years before Madras became independent. It was in 1967, on the 20th November, that Bangalore Race Club changed their name to the present Bangalore Turf Club, overseeing the day to day running of the course spread over just 85 acres, but this proves sufficient to contain 1000 stables.
The club celebrated two historic milestones in 1980 and 1995 with their Diamond and Platinum Jubilees. Although meetings are held during the winter and summer seasons, the highlight of the racing year is the Bangalore Derby which takes place each February.
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