Singapore

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Over 180 years of horse racing in Singapore ended on Saturday (Oct 5). The Singapore Turf Club hosted its final race on Saturday and now the track would be handed back to the government to provide land for new homes.

According to a report by Bloomberg on Sunday, the race track of more than 300 acres would be bulldozed for new public and private homes as Singapore is trying to accommodate a growing population that crossed six million this year. 

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The government has said that this is necessary to ensure “there is sufficient land for future generations.” After some preparation work, the site must be returned by early 2027.

The last race at Singapore Turf Club

On Saturday, the air-conditioned VIP boxes at the Singapore Turf Club were full of enthusiasts, socialites and expats, while the grounds and betting halls below hosted mostly older-generation punters. 

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The sun broke through for the final race, the Grand Singapore Gold Cup.

As per the report, South African jockey Muzi Yeni, who rode the winner Smart Star, echoed a feeling of loss shared by many on the day. “I’d like the government to look at it, if I have much say,” he said in a post-race interview.

Horse racing already on decline in Singapore

Though the government's decision to end horse racing sent shockwaves through the riding and training community in Singapore, horse racing has already been on the decline in the country.

Spectatorship fell from a race-day average of 11,000 in 2010 to about 6,000 in 2019, before Covid cut attendance by more than half. 

During the final race on Saturday, about 10,000 people turned up — a third of the stadium’s capacity. Horse racing in Singapore has always had to contend with the need for land. 

However, it is not the only sport to succumb to the housing expansion. The last 18-hole public golf course closed earlier this year for redevelopment.

(With inputs from agencies)