The Final Gallop: End of an Era for Singapore's Horse Racing

Singapore's horse racing era concludes as the Singapore Turf Club hosted its last race after 180 years. The racecourse will be repurposed for development, reflecting the land-scarce nation's shifting priorities. Declining attendance led to this decision, marking a significant cultural shift in the city-state.

Singapore's storied history of horse racing reached its final chapter as the Singapore Turf Club closed its gates for the last time. Over 10,000 attendees gathered on October 5 to witness the club's final race, a poignant end to a tradition spanning more than 180 years.

This decision aligns with Singapore's need to redevelop land as its population grows, with the 120-hectare racecourse set for transformation into housing and recreational spaces by 2027. Meanwhile, the closure marks a cultural shift in a rapidly modernizing urban landscape.

Attendance at the Turf Club dwindled over the years, prompting the move. Once managing crowds of 11,000, numbers had dwindled to 2,600 post-pandemic, starkly contrasting with Hong Kong's thriving horse racing scene. Despite Singapore's fond memories, the dwindling interest reflects a new era in this dynamic city-state.

(With inputs from agencies.)