Bangalore Race Course During the British Era, 1916 Postcard

Bangalore Race Course During the British Era, 1916 Postcard

A 1916 postcard captures the Bangalore Race Course during the British era. The open grounds, temporary tents, horses, riders, and spectators offer a rare glimpse into colonial Bangalore. Horse racing arrived in Bangalore with the British cavalry regiments stationed in the cantonment during the nineteenth century.

The city’s pleasant climate and extensive open spaces made it ideal for breeding and training horses. Racing soon evolved from a military pastime into a popular social occasion that attracted British officers, civil servants, Indian royalty, and wealthy residents. The Bangalore Turf Club was formally established in 1920, helping organize racing in the city and laying the foundation for one of India’s most celebrated racing institutions. Click image to enlarge. 

Did you know – historical records indicate that horse racing in Bangalore dates back to the early 1800s, well before the formal establishment of the Bangalore Turf Club.