SINGAPORE has announced the end of horse racing in the country after 180 years in a bombshell decision that has trainers and jockeys fearing for their futures.
The Singapore Turf Club will hold its final meeting in October next year.
The late Queen has a race named after her in SIngapore but the country has announced the end of racing from next year
The government is reclaiming the 120-hectare racecourse and using it for housing instead.
Late Queen Elizabeth has a race at the track named after her and she visited as recently as 2006.
In a shock announcement, the Singapore Turf Club said: “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.”
Racing in Singapore has seen falling attendances, a huge drop in wagering turnover, poor prize money and a massivedecline in horse population.
The best quality race taking place there this year is a Group 3, with the number of black-type contests slashed dramatically.
Michael Clements, the president of the Association of Racehorse Trainers, said: “The news is devastating.
“It’s kind of surreal to have such an announcement made out of the blue without any form of dialogue between the government and the industry players.”
Trainer Jason Lim said: “I didn’t think the Turf Club would close, we have 180 years of heritage.
“This is the only thing I know, I don’t know how to do anything else.”
It is believed around 700 horses will be exported to other yards around the world.
And it is hoped this process will be completed by 2026.
