Singapore is not a nation which automatically comes to mind when one thinks about horse racing. Some would be surprised to know that Singapore conducted its very first horse race in 1842 at the Singapore Sporting Club. Since that time horse racing in Singapore has continued to grow and thrive.
Horse racing betting is one of the few gambling activities that is allowed in Singapore. You can attend live racing and wager on horses to win, place, or show. There are also a limited number of exotic bets that are available.
History of Singapore Horse Racing
In 1842 the Singapore Sporting Club was created to offer live horse racing events. The races were conducted at the Serangoon Road Race Course at Farrer Park Field. The very first race to be held at the track featured a purse of $150.
Today, the original club has evolved into the Singapore Turf Club. Each year it is home to a number of important stakes races and daily race cards. Millions in purse money are now awarded to the owners, trainers, and jockeys that compete in the racing events.
The Singapore Turf Club has also developed a state of the art horse racing facility. The Singapore Racecourse at Kranji was opened in 1999. It covers a sprawling area and hosts other events in addition to the horse racing calendar.
Horse racing is held year round at the race course. Most of the events are restricted to locally trained horses. This is unique compared to most other horse racing jurisdictions throughout the world. It helps to encourage local horsemen in the continued development of the horse racing industry.
There is no breeding program to speak of in the country. Horses are imported from a variety of areas including America, England, France, and Ireland.
The Types of Horse Racing in Singapore
Horse racing events in Singapore are typically conducted on grass racing surfaces. This has been the tradition for many years. This can make for a more challenging handicapping environment for bettors. Grass races, or turf races as they are called in the US and other countries, have a different dynamic than dirt races.
There are a large number of stakes races which take place in Singapore throughout the year. These include:
- The Kranji Mile
- Singapore Gold Cup
- Singapore Derby
- Lion City Cup
Each of these races offers a large purse to the winner. Two of the races feature a purse of $1 million USD.
Betting Singapore Horse Racing Live and Online
For many years betting in Singapore was the province of illegal bookmakers and other shady establishments. Today, it is possible for one to make live horse racing bets at the race track in Singapore.
Only certain bets are offered. These are Win, Place, Forecast, Place Forecast, Tierce, Trio, and Quartet. Some of these bets would be unfamiliar to the horse bettor from the West. It is also the case that bets are carried out under the supervision of Singapore Pools, and they are only available on the race track and in the country.
This has made it virtually impossible for online horse racing sites to offer betting from Singapore. However, this may be on the verge of changing. Singapore seems to realize the value of offering online horse racing betting throughout the world.
Where to Watch Live Horse Racing in Singapore
It can also be difficult to find simulcast feeds of the horse races in Singapore. There may be rare cases when the horse races are broadcast on a horse betting website. This would usually occur during the running of races that would constitute the Singapore Triple Crown.
Your only real option is to pay a visit to the Singapore Racecourse at Kranji. It is worth a visit if you happen to be in the country. The facility is beautiful to behold.
Jockeys, Trainers, and Horses
Don’t expect to see too many horses, trainers, and jockeys that you are familiar with in the United States. Bob Baffert and Joel Rosario don’t frequent the horse racing in Singapore. What you will find is a devoted group of local horsemen and horses that have strong local followings.
Singapore restricts its horse racing events to horses that have been trained locally. If you happen to be located in the country and are able to follow the horse races on a regular basis, this can give you an edge in your handicapping. Sometimes all the information you need is the recent performances of a certain horse, jockey, or trainer.
If you are not able to visit the horses races in Singapore and still want to bet on live horse racing action in other countries, check out our recommended online horse betting sites. You can even get free bonus money when you sign up for an account. Check our Bovada racebook review, Twinspires review, Busr, BetUS,ย 1stbet, or even our Betamerica review. All great choice if you are in the US. 5Dimes review for folks anywhere.
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