Singapore recently bid farewell to horse racing on October 5, 2024, a tradition dating 181 years back. The final race captured the hearts of thousands of enthusiasts at the Singapore Turf Club.
The emotional farewell also marked the closing of Singapore’s sole active race course. The iconic venue has been a staple of royalty, hosting guests like Queen Elizabeth II.
That’s why it was only natural for the club to host an audience of 10,000 spectators for the historical event. The decision to end horse racing was made to accommodate Singapore’s growing needs.
The government has decided to undertake the 120-hectare race course for development. Singapore will use the land to meet its growing leisure and housing needs by 2027.
Emotional Farewell from Participants and Fans
As expected, the final race drew the attention of a versatile crowd. The audience comprised casual punters in shorts who were enjoying Horse racing betting, women adorned in fascinators who were witnessing history unfold in real-time, and hardcore fans alike.
Lawrence Phua, the 75-year-old who once used to sell horse racing guides in the Turf Club’s former location in Bukit Timah, also attended the race. For Phua, the venue was a key piece of his life, as he fondly reminisced about his time there. It is not just about betting; it is about history and community, remarked Phua.
Many spectators saw horse racing as the symbol of Singapore’s cultural and social evolution. After all, the tradition had compelled guests like the Queen to visit Singapore.
Decline in Popularity and Regional Comparison
In addition to catering to the nation’s accommodation needs, the closing signified a massive decline in interest in the sport.
In 2010, more than 11,000 enthusiasts attended the race. After the pandemic, the number dropped to a meager 2,600. With the rise of other sports options, the club was bound to lose its footing.
Conversely, the sport has skyrocketed in Hong Kong. The region recently drew over 40,000 punters in several races. The betting scene in Hong Kong is also much more popular than Sports Betting in Singapore. The region keeps its interest in horse racing intact with cultural appreciation and strong betting support.
Despite the end of horse racing in Singapore, many people will still cherish the memories.