Let’s go to the races for free!

Let’s go to the races for free!
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Once a silkworm rearing ground for inmates of the Bangalore Central Jail, Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) is today the centre of attraction for many.

The lush green race course has the honour of being the venue for several international races.

It’s common during horse races for hundreds to climb the security wall to catch a glimpse of the races. Now, this crowd is shifting to the Anand Rao Circle flyover.

Thanks to the BDA building the flyover, people even park their vehicles on the flyover to watch the races, obstructing traffic.

After the flyover was thrown open, the crowd viewing races from the flyover has increased with every passing day. During the racing season police may find it a menace.

Interestingly, the present race course was a trade ground for the inmates of Bangalore Central Jail during late 18th century.

“It was established in 1920 as Bangalore Race Club. The British bought 85 acres from the Wodeyars of Mysore. The race course was earlier on the periphery of city, near Dommalur, since 1850. It moved to the present location in 1920,” says Arun Prasad, research head, Discover Bengaluru.

“The present race course was a part of Bangalore Jail. The inmates used to cultivate a variety of plant species here. Prisoners carried out lithography, made carpets and tents, learnt carpentry and rearing of silkworms. It was a trade ground for prisoners,” he said.

Now motorists wait on the flyover for the next race. More onlookers are expected to throng the flyover before the race course is shifted to another location. The traffic department plans to appoint a police constable to keep a check.