Written by Renee Geelen
Cover image courtesy of Singapore Turf Club
Over 10,000 people attended the final meeting at the Singapore Turf Club on Saturday with the sun coming out for the final Singapore Gold Cup, won by Smart Star (Star Witness) ridden by South African jockey Muzi Yeni. “I’d like the government to look at it, if I have much say,” he said in a post-race interview.
Over 180 years of history
The Singapore Sporting Club was founded by Scottish merchant William Henry Macleod Read, began in 1843, when the country was a British colony at a property closer to the city. As the city grew, the club, renamed the Singapore Turf Club, purchased the Bukit Timah Rubber Estate and racing began on the 300 acre site in 1933, then moved to Kranji in 1999. Singapore’s last 18-hole public golf course closed earlier this year for redevelopment, as the need for housing the 6 million people continues.
“It is a nice and scenic place, but its glory days are over and it is too expensive to upkeep,” Song Ya Jing told bloomberg.com. “Maybe my children can live in the public housing one day.”
“(There is) over 180 years of horse racing culture in Singapore; it is a shame that it is just ending like that. I love horses myself. I do ride also, so I just wanted to be part of this iconic moment, to see it for the last time and be able to tell the future generations that this kind of culture used to exist because the younger generation will be deprived of this opportunity,” Michelle Tan told thestraitstimes.com. She rides retired racehorses.
“I just wanted to be part of this iconic moment, to see it for the last time and be able to tell the future generations that this kind of culture used to exist because the younger generation will be deprived of this opportunity.” - Michelle Tan
Of the 700 horses trained at Kranji, only 240 remain and are being exported shortly. “Today, we celebrated Singapore’s 182-year horse racing heritage and, most importantly, the dedicated employees who built Singapore Turf Club’s legacy. Their passion and commitment have shaped this historic moment,” Ms Irene M.K. Lim, STC’s president and chief executive, told thestraitstimes.com.
“It is a proud and fitting tribute to honour them as we create lasting memories with the people of Singapore. May the spirit of this legacy inspire generations to come.”
Singapore Gold Cup won by Smart Star
Trainer David Kok won his first Listed Singapore Gold Cup when his 6-year-old gelding Smart Star put his head in front to win by a neck from the favourite Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) with Istataba (Arg) (Treasure Beach {GB}) in third. “I know my horse has ability and he can stay,” Kok told sportingpost.co.za. He was ridden by South African jockey Muzi Yeni.
“I always wanted to win (the Singapore Gold Cup), and finally, I won the last one. I knew my horse is in very good condition and he could be a top three finish. I was also hoping for a bit of rain and when it didn’t, I was a bit worried. I told him (Yeni) to ride him where he’s comfortable and to start sprinting just before coming into the straight.
“I was very confident he (Smart Star) could run well in the straight, but at the 200 metres, I thought he could catch the leader (Lim’s Saltoro). He did it! I thank my friend Michael Lee (Deputy Racing Editor from The Straits Times), who suggested to me to bring Muzi Yeni. I also want to thank all my staff because they are very hardworking.
“Last but not least, I must also thank the owners like Smart Bet Stable, Pacific Stable and Royal Sabah Turf Club as well as all my other owners because without their support, we wouldn’t have winners. He (Smart Star) will go to Kuala Lumpur with me and I will get my stable (at Selangor Turf Club) up and running in November.”
