Former Singapore president S R Nathan opened the $500 million Kranji racecourse on March 4, 2000. The opening day drew a 28,000-strong crowd, with local jockey Saimee Jumaat clinching the $3 million prize in its first race, the Singapore Airlines (SGX:C6L
) (SIA) International Cup.
Sentimentality for the sport of kings did little to outrun pragmatism in Singapore. The roar of spectators, crashing of hooves and the scent of tobacco wafting through the open air at the Singapore Turf Club (STC) will be replaced by tranquil housing developments in a matter of years.
The club held its final race on Oct 5, concluding over 180 years of horse racing in the city-state. Over 10,000 spectators ranging from punters to families and people dressed to the nines were present to witness 10 races throughout the day, with the $1.38 million Grand Singapore Gold Cup prize going to the six-year-old Smart Star and his visiting South African jockey Muzi Yeni.
