3 minute read

After 180 years the Singapore Government has called stumps on racing in Singapore.

The rumours had been deafening of late but the reality is still a shock, probably more than a shock to the 300 people employed at the Kranji track.  Racing will cease in October 2024 and the land will revert to the Government in 2027.

Certainly It is a large site and the Government is hungry for land.  They claim it will be part of a plan to develop the north of the Island but there is nothing formal yet about that plan and it would seem to be quite a bit into the future.

The Government stopped the International meeting that had been the highlight for May for those of us lucky enough to cover it after the 2015 meeting and that has been the start of a downward slide for the Singapore races as attendances went down and it was difficult to attract good trainers and jockeys.

The International meeting was very popular and provided many memorable moments – who can forget when Takeover Target won (we claim that was because he got his bag of carrots that we gave Joe Janiak at the barrier draw and was holding in one hand while drawing out the number with the other).  Cosmo Bulk,  a horse that had come from the NAR circuit in Hokkaido, went on to be the "hero of Hokkaido", and many other memorable runners from Hong Kong and Dubai, and of course Singapore's own hero Rocket Man.

Racing and Sports has always had a close connection with the Singapore Turf Club and we wish all our friends the best of luck for their futures.