Emirates Singapore Derby Event @ Singapore Turf Club
Glamour and glitz aren’t exactly the words that you would
associate with a horse racing competition but it was precisely the case with
the Emirates Sg derby event. Let’s just be frank here, it is my first ever
invited event and I was feeling plenty of excitement and largely pondering over
how the event will actually pan out.
“It turned out to be a pleasant surprise that was memorable
and eye opening.”
For most of the event, I was largely within a large function
room lined with a red carpet and a preset stage. Catering was present and the
function room had several display sets that showed the horse racing as it took
place. The function room also provides the closest and nearest access to the
horse racing area. The most glamorous aspect of it all?
The red carpet lined with occasional catwalks from
contestants participating in the best-dressed competition and surprisingly,
this year’s Miss Singapore Universe contestants. Never would I have thought of
witnessing so much glitz and glamor from an event as such.
Honestly, I’ve seen my relatives watch horse racing before
but attending it and understanding the excitement behind it is truly something
I never got to grasp until Sunday. The last few seconds of a race can be
heart-stopping with photo finishes and constant shuffles in the top 4
positions. Quick races can certainly set pulses racing even if it only lasts
for a few seconds.
So how did we get involved with the races? Well for beginners
like us, instead of placing bets for the horse race, we had an alternative of
being involved in a lucky draw. If we got the top 3 choices of the race right,
there would be a chance to win good prizes. An effective way to involve less
active participants and enthusiasts for the race.
Apart from being able to participate in the race guessing in
alternative ways, we got to tour the square where the horses parade through
before entering the racing fields. We got to see horses close-up, a rare opportunity
especially in Singapore.
Miss Singapore Universe Contestants 2017
Singapore Turf Club building
The square where horses were paraded
Seeing horse owners and how such a glamorous event was being
held set me alight and excited. It reminded me of my past 6 months of
travelling and sight-seeing as it was always about seeing pastures new and
exposing oneself to new and interesting things. Attending such events in
Singapore is as close as it gets to that and might even be an equal to it.
There’s still so many things to experience if we squeeze out the time to try
it! This sure as hell gets me excited!
And.. just an interesting point to share…the other day I was
just reading the post-event article of Emirates SG Derby on the Straits Times
and I read that there were significant steps taken to raise the profits
and returns for Singapore Turf Club through such events. If well-organised
events as such occur more often, I am pretty sure that STC would stand a good
chance in remaining relevant and progressing towards greater profits!
Alright so I’m done musing about this event and with that,
stay tuned for more adventures!
P.S. Thanks for the invite Hong Peng and thanks for coming down Evelyn!
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