Singapore"s horse racing scene set to whinny in 2014

As an Australian expat in Singapore, Mr. Burridge has worked in both markets and says when it comes to cost, Singapore is the better place to race.

“In Australia most training bills are between $5,000 and $10,000 a month, per horse. In Singapore, they are between $1,500 and $3,500.”

Singapore worked hard to cultivate its racing scene. Yet, while the Singapore Turf Club has been in existence decades longer than the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and similar centers in Australia and Japan, it still lags in fourth place when it comes to betting turnover and the number of races.

Debra Hawkins, senior manager of horse ownership at the Singapore Turf Club says recent success stories are starting to help lift its standing.

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“I think with the emergence of stars like Rocket Man and our exposure over in Dubai and the fact that our racing gets telecast to many countries in the world, it has put Singapore on the map,” she said.

Incentives and rebates from the Turf Club, along with an increase in prize money also makes Singapore a more attractive destination for race horse owners.

Singapore"s horse racing scene set to whinny in 2014