My Racing In Singapore

Read our exclusive report from our overseas reporter in Singapore, Sean Trivass, on his time at Singapore’s big meet on the 17th May. The two big races of the day were the Singapore Airlines International Cup and the KrisFlyer International Sprint.

As a man of my word I did promise a little write up from Singapore on race day as I am a great believer that there is a big wide world of horse racing out there, that we as Brits are inclined to pretty much ignore. For me as a punter a betting opportunity is exactly that whatever the name of the horse or race track, and for me as a horse lover, there are so many fascinating places left to visit, so do excuse my little marketing message!

Away from the races Singapore is a beautiful little Country, modern and old fashioned all in one, and where eating is quite clearly the national sport. Restaurants of all kinds and nationalities and to match all pockets are on ever street corner and I ma pretty certain I will be coming home a few pounds overweight but my liver returns in good condition – drink is anything but cheap here I am sorry to add.

My Racing – Race Finish at Kranji, Singapore. Copyright My Racing

Back to the track and thanks to the tropical weather it looks just stunning – flowers and colour everywhere, neat and tidy – and dirt cheap to get in for racegoers, with food and drink at affordable prices, perhaps the British tracks could consider following their lead (but don’t hold your breath)?  An eleven race card is a bit much for some (but only because we are used to six or seven) but could be seen as value for money, and with air conditioned viewing for those avoiding the heat (humid is the word, and I have to wear a suit and tie), panoramic views of the track await – so what’s not to like? Answering my own question, betting is the answer with a full on Paris Mutuel monopoly, and betting websites blocked by the state (there are ways round that apparently though I couldn’t possibly comment), so a lack of choice if you are looking for value. Top jockey Joao Moreira is Brazilian by birth but used to ride here and is pretty much treated like a God by his many followers, leaving almost all of his mounts at short prices, but as I am not quite reckless enough to bet on the local races, I don’t’ really care!

Waiting sensibly for the sprint, the odds were shocking (OK I know he was odds on, but a winner is a winner right?), and Aerovelocity led from start to finish without a moments problem. He looks a pretty decent sprinter to be fair but they have so many valuable races in Hong Kong that I doubt we see him back in England, and we can hardly complain when our runners refuse to travel either.

On to the big race over 2000 metres (about a mile and a quarter), and there I was cheering on the French runners Free Port Lux and Smoking Sun if only because they were Europe, while being two faced enough to back Dan Excel. With never a moments worry, the favourite (well, he was in Singapore) went straight to the front and stayed there all the way to the line, easily seeing off Military Attack in second with Quechua running on in to third. With the double up I was pleased as punch regardless of the odds, and happily retired to the bar looking forward to next year – and the hope I was well behaved enough to get invited back!

Sean Trivass would like to thank the Singapore Turf Club for both the invitation and they way they looked after us all for the entire week.