The history of horse racing in Singapore is drawing to a close after a remarkable run spanning over 180 years.
The nation’s only racecourse, Singapore Turf Club, is set to host its final meeting next year, as the government reclaims the 120-hectare site for public and private housing purposes.
Among the notable events held at the course is the race named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, a passionate racegoer and racehorse breeder.
Her late Majesty presented the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Cup during her visit to Singapore in 1972, and she graced the feature race once again in 2006.
Acknowledging the sport’s significant heritage, the Singapore Turf Club released a statement, saying, “Horse racing has a long and distinguished history in Singapore. With races continuing until the 100th Grand Singapore Gold Cup on 5 October 2024, the Club will continue to ensure the sportsmanship, safety, and integrity of every race.”
Singapore was introduced to horse racing in 1842 when Scottish merchant, William Henry Macleod Read, and other enthusiasts established the Singapore Sporting Club.
They transformed a patch of semi-swampy land in Farrer Park into a racecourse, which was later renamed the Singapore Turf Club in 1924.
The allure of horse racing extended beyond Europeans, attracting wealthy Malay and Chinese racegoers as well.
As the sport gained popularity, the course relocated to a larger site in Bukit Timah in 1933.
In March 2000, the Singapore Turf Club settled into its current home in Kranji, boasting a magnificent S$500 million ($370.9 million; £298 million) racecourse with a five-storey grandstand capable of accommodating 30,000 spectators.
However, over the past decade, attendance at the Singapore Turf Club has dwindled.
In light of the country’s limited land availability, the government announced plans to repurpose the site to meet future land use needs.
The Ministry of National Development indicated that the land would be redeveloped for public and private housing, while also exploring other potential uses, such as leisure and recreation.
