The Asian Racing Federation is surprised to acknowledge the Singapore Government’s recent decision to discontinue all thoroughbred racing in Singapore from October 2024 after 180 years.
ARF President Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “On behalf of all members of the Asian Racing Federation and the global racing family, I express my deep disappointment following the Government’s decision to discontinue racing. Government of Singapore next year. Our condolences to Singapore participants, owners, permanent employees and racing fans. This decision will have a tremendous impact on many professions, businesses and businesses. and life is based on the expectation that racing will continue in Singapore in the future.It also poses major challenges to the welfare of Singapore’s current horse population with more than 700 horses that will need to be repatriated. outside.
“Sadly, this decision will see the inevitable end to the long and proud history of our esteemed ARF member, the Singapore Jockey Club. STC has had make a major contribution to motorsport and wider society in Singapore and on the world stage. STC has also made an outstanding contribution to the ARF as an executive board member for many years.”
ARF received a detailed summary from STC on the context of the decision and the work STC is undertaking to prepare for its mission to shrink the racing industry in Singapore.
During this dialogue, the ARF expressed concern about the consequences arising from this decision. These concerns include the need to recover, through export, more than 700 horses from Singapore, for retirement or future racing, which is a huge undertaking and entails equine welfare considerations. will require extensive planning. In addition, maintaining sufficient qualified and experienced staff to ensure the welfare and maintenance of horses through October 2024, as well as maintaining the necessary standards of racing integrity, will be great challenges. Furthermore, in the event that hundreds of horses will require exports from Singapore, the ARF anticipates a huge impact on third countries. This includes special requirements placed on restricted quarantine facilities and activities through ARF tracing.
“There is now a need for very extensive and intensive planning to overcome the major risks and challenges,” said Engelbrecht-Bresges.
While the ultimate responsibility for the consequences of the decision will rest with the authorities in Singapore, I believe we will need to harness the expertise and resources of the regional and international racing community to avoid such consequences. Major negative consequences, especially regarding the welfare of horses, are likely to arise here.
The ARF will attempt to identify areas where we can provide tailored advice to support the STC during this transition period.”
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
