The 2024 racing season (1 April - 5 October) marked a bittersweet close to Singapore’s
horse racing era, with 12 feature races and a surge in attendance. As the Singapore Turf
Club prepared to shut its gates, crowds returned in force, filling the grandstands in a
nostalgic farewell to 182 years of racing tradition.
Rather than fading, public interest was reignited — a powerful reminder of what horse racing
could have become with proper promotion, strategic investment, and support as both a
lifestyle and sport.
Closure Appeal
Following the government’s announcement of the Singapore Turf Club (STC) closure,
TOAST—representing over 90% of racehorse owners (including non-members)—initiated
efforts to seek alternatives and delay the cessation of racing.
An initial appeal was made directly to STC but was unsuccessful. Determined to preserve
what was left of the sport, TOAST then escalated the appeal to the Prime Minister's Office.
This prompted Minister Indranee Rajah to arrange a closed-door meeting at The Treasury
Building on 9 April 2024, inviting eight selected racehorse owners to share their concerns
and suggestions.
At the meeting, passionate appeals were made. A young owner voiced disappointment at
only recently discovering syndication—an accessible route into the sport—just as racing in
Singapore was ending. Several participants argued that most developed nations maintain
racecourses as symbols of culture, prestige, and heritage. They emphasised that horse
racing is a sport, unfairly diminished by gambling-related stigma, and suffered in Singapore
due to a lack of promotion and public engagement.
Suggestions were raised to downsize Kranji Racecourse by 60%, integrating the remaining
land into a mixed-use plan with housing, recreation, and community spaces—similar to
redevelopment models of Happy Valley and Caulfield racecourses overseas.
However, Minister Indranee reiterated that the closure was a land-use decision, driven by
national priorities, particularly the need for housing.
Follow-Up Engagements with STC
A follow-up session with racehorse owners was held by STC on 29 May 2024, where the
Chairman and President & Chief Executive (P&CE) outlined key events leading to the
closure decision.
Despite efforts since 2021 to present various proposals—including retaining core racing
operations on 45 hectares of the 120-hectare Kranji site—the Government concluded in July
2022 that the entire land parcel was needed for a comprehensive redevelopment plan. On 5
June 2023, the official closure date of 5 October 2024 was announced.
STC presented support measures for owners and trainers, including:
Monthly Stable subsidies of $700-$800 (Mar 2025 onwards)
Monthly medical subsidies of $150
HEPA Award - $2,000 per horse for approved expatriation plans (shared by
trainer and owner)
HExA Award - $4,000-$6,000 per horse upon successful export
Horse Exportation Cost - 90% subsidies, capped at $12,000 per horse
In the final engagement on 11 September 2024, updates were provided on post-racing
logistics. STC confirmed its website would remain active for at least six months to support
new owners/trainers with horse data.
Notably, Magic Millions’ David Chester, a major sponsor of STC racing, was unable to attend
the closing event—marking a quiet, reflective farewell to 182 years of racing heritage in
Singapore.
A Promising Future for TOAST
Despite the challenges faced in 2024 and the closure of STC in October, TOAST remains
unwavering in its mission to promote racing as a passion, sport, and lifestyle. The massive
turnout during the final races of Singapore’s racing history serves as a testament to the
enduring appeal of the sport. Had it been nurtured with strategic promotion and embraced as
a key part of Singapore’s sporting culture, the outcome could have been vastly different.
As we navigate through the upcoming changes, TOAST continues to represent its members
and celebrate the spirit of horse racing beyond Singapore. Our presence will remain in
international circuits, ensuring that the legacy of Singapore horse racing is carried forward.
TOAST Racing Success in 2024
Despite the challenges, TOAST Racing Trust enjoyed a successful year, securing several
significant wins:
3 March 2024 - Prawns Eleven (The Kowloon Tong Club Trophy, HK$1.86M,
Class 3, 1200m, Sha Tin, Hong Kong)
17 March 2024 - Sweet N Sour (Open Maiden, $20,000, 1200m, Kranji,
Singapore)
27 March 2024 - Our Lucky Glory (Lok Fu Handicap, Class 4, HK$1.17M,
1200m, Happy Valley, Hong Kong)
2 April 2024 - Autofocus (Treasurer's Maiden Plate, A$30,000, 1300m, Moree
Race Club, Australia)
24 April 2024 - Our Lucky Glory (Busan Handicap, Class 4, HK$1.17M, 1200m,
Happy Valley, Hong Kong)
21 July 2024 - Sweet N Sour (Class 5 Golden Monkey 2023 Stakes, $30,000,
1200m, Kranji, Singapore)
16 August 2024 - Obviously Good (Donoghue Property Valuations Mdn Plate,
A$27,000, 1200m, Tamworth, Australia)
27 Jan 2024 - TOAST's Silo gives Singapore racing fans a farewell show at Kranji, winning
the Class 3 $70,000 1400m. Kept in winning form by trainer Stephen Crutchley, it is a
hat-trick by Silo before leaving for Hong Kong next month for a brighter future. After the turn,
Silo (ridden by Vlad Duric) fought with three other challengers in a line, and cleared away at
the 150m, winning by 1.3 length in 1:21.5. The dividend was $8 (win) and $5.10 (place), as
the favourite.
Silo, with Vlad Duric, bids farewell to Kranji with a winning hat-trick in the Class 3 race before heading to HongKong.(photo: sgracingphoto)
3 Mar 2024 - TOAST Trust Syndicate’s Prawns Eleven wins HK$1.86M The Kowloon Tong
Club Trophy (Handicap) Cl 3 1200m at Shatin, Hong Kong. In addition, Prawns Eleven is
Winner of the PP HK$1.5M Bonus.
Jockey Harry Bentley settled Prawns Eleven at fourth position and switched out deftly after
the turn to clear away at the 200m, winning by a margin of 1.5L and time 1:09:49.
Trainer Mark Newnham has been diligently training the gelding since it arrived in HK on
18/09/2023. Unplaced at his two earlier starts, the tote showed thumping dividends of
HK$424 (S$212) win and HK74.50 (S$37.00) place. Before HK, the NZ 4yo gelding had 3
wins in Australia, then trained by trainer Brock Lewthwaite.
Prawns Eleven scores a huge upset and the PP Bonus in The Kowloon Tong Club Trophy at Sha Tin.
17 Mar 2024 - TOAST Trusts & CY Mak's Sweet N Sour wins Open Maiden $20,000 1200m.
On settling, Sweet N Sour (jockey Vlad Duric) was among the line of five leaders and won
the speed battle at the 600m. He then went on to lead all the way, winning by half length
from late challenger Rubik Kid, with winning time of 1:10.49; at dividends of $17 (win) and $7
(place).
The win gives trainer Stephen Crutchley a sweet parting reward on his last raceday, as he
will be returning to New Zealand to pursue other career opportunities with newly married wife
Watie, after 10 years in Singapore Racing. For us all who were on hand to cheer him on, it
was indeed a sweet and sour day capped by Sweet N Sour's win.
Sweet N Sour wins the Open Maiden, giving departing trainer Stephen Crutchley a parting victory.
(photo: sgracingphoto)
27 Mar 2024 - TOAST Trust Syndicate’s Our Lucky Glory wins Lok Fu Handicap Class 4
HK$1.17M 1200m at Happy Valley, Hong Kong.
Settling mid-field Our Lucky Glory (Harry Bentley) broke through on rounding the turn and
cleared away at 300m to win by a margin of 0.75 length and time 1:10:35; with dividends of
HK$32 (win), $13.50 (place) and S$16 (win), S$6 (place) as the favourite.
It's the second win in Hong Kong for the Brazilian 5YO gelding who is trained by trainer Chris
So Wai-yin. It was a wonderful evening of double glory for trainer So and treble for jockey
Bentley, a first treble in almost two years in Hong Kong.
Our Lucky Glory claims the Lok Fu Handicap at Happy Valley for trainer Chris So and jockey Harry Bentley
2 Apr 2024 - Autofocus, a 3yo filly of TOAST President Constance Cheng and Magic
Million's G Harvey, wins Treasurer's Maiden Plate A$30,000 Set Weight 1300m at Moree
Race Club, New South Wales, Australia. On settling, Autofocus (Mikayla Weir) was eased
out of the early speed battle of four, and after the bend she charged through and sprinted
past the leader Super Story at the 200m, winning by 1.4L in a time of 01:16.96. The
dividends were A$3.40 (win) & A$1.50 (place) and S$16 (win) & S$8 (place). Autofocus is
trained by trainer Melanie O'Gorman based at Tamworth, NSW.
Autofocus was one of the horses bought for Singapore Racing before the abrupt
announcement on 5/6/23 of Singapore Turf Club closure, and now she has to race in
Australia.
Autofocus breaks her maiden, sprinting clear for a 1.4-length win in the Treasurer's Maiden Plate at Moree
24 Apr 2024 - Our Lucky Glory of TOAST Trust Syndicate wins Busan Handicap (Sec 2)
Class 4 HK$1.17M 1200m at Happy Valley, Hong Kong. It's like déjà vu all over again in the
back-to-back win.
Settling fourth, Our Lucky Glory (Harry Bentley) broke through after the turn to challenge
early favourite Glory Cloud at the 200m and got the better of him at the 100m. The winning
margin is 0.75 length and time, 1:10:31; with dividends of HK$36.5 (win), HK$15 (place) and
S$18 (win), S$7 (place), as the post-time favourite. It was a double for the night's "Jockey
King", Bentley .
The Brazilian 5YO gelding is trained by trainer Chris So Wai-yin, becoming the first horse in
his stable to win consecutively this season. Trainer So said: "After his last win, the horse's
body weight has increased, which indicates that his condition has improved. I was afraid that
he may not adapt to the change of track going (due to a few days of rain) in this race, but the
horse showed that it can cope with it."
Our Lucky Glory and Harry Bentley land a second straight win in the Busan Handicap
21 Jul 2024 - TOAST Trusts & CY Mak's Sweet N Sour wins Class 5 Golden Monkey 2023
Stakes $30,000 1200m. On settling, Sweet N Sour (jockey Bernardo Pinheiro) was pacing
behind the two leaders. Turning wide, he cleared away at the 200m and staved off a
challenge from the fast-finishing Lim's Dreamwalker by a nose. The winning time was
1:10.73; at dividends of $39 (win) and $11 (place).
Sweet N Sour is trained by Derby winning trainer Dan Meagher and formed the first of his
quartet wins on Derby day.
Sweet and Sour truly reflects the bittersweet emotions we feel today. His first win came on
the very last racing day for our dear trainer Stephen Crutchley, a moment full of sweetness
and pride.
But the “sour” side comes with his second win - our final victory ever for TOAST Horses in
Singapore. That win marks the end of an era, a poignant reminder that this chapter of our
racing journey in Singapore is closing.
Sweet N Sour, with Bernardo Pinheiro, snatches a nose victory in the Class 5 Golden Monkey 2023 Stakes,
marking TOAST's final win in Singapore racing.
(photo: sgracingphoto)
16 Aug 2024 - Obviously Good of TOAST President Constance Cheng and Gerry Harvey
wins Donoghue Property Valuations Mdn Plate (1200m) A$27,000 at Tamworth Jockey Club,
New South Wales.
Jumping from barrier 11 and settling behind the leader, Obviously Good (jockey Chelsea
Hillier) went to the front at the 200m; and held them out to win by half length. The winning
time under handicap 59kg was 1:13.22, in light rain and turf track Heavy 10; with dividends
of A$26(win), A$6 (place).
The well-named 4YO gelding, trained by Melanie O'Gorman (Tamworth), will live up to his
name if he keeps improving. However, today's win at big dividends is Obviously Good
Obviously Good delivers a win in the Donoghue Property Valuations Mdn Plate on a Heavy track at Tamworth.
Other Key Highlights
15 Feb 2024 - Chinese New Year Stable Lunch.
To welcome the Lunar New Year, we hosted our final annual Chinese New Year Stable
Lunch, bringing together our community for an afternoon of great food, laughter, and shared
celebration.
11 Apr 2024 - TOAST President donated $1,000 to BTSC riding school’s Rosie for
retirement in Millie Orchard Retreat (Malacca, Malaysia). One of BTSC’s finest, she has
been BTSC since 2009.
14 Jul 2024 - Champion apprentice Jerlyn Siew joined us at the HKJC closing season to
witness Silo having his first start. Jerlyn has previously raced a win on Silo.
Apprentice jockey Jerlyn Siew, who previously rode Silo to victory, reunites with the horse at the HKJC closing
season for its first Hong Kong start..
9 Aug 2024 - On National Day, 9 August 1993, the then Bukit Turf Club (BTC) held a
Combined Professional and Amateur Race Meeting. TOAST President Constance Cheng
celebrated with a win in the MARA Classes 2 & 3 Combined 1650m race on her horse
Hinley, clocking 1:48.4 under a 75.5kg handicap.
This heritage photo brings back fond memories of our time at Bukit Timah Saddle Club
(BTSC) — a riding club that was formed and partially subsidized by BTC, using totalisator
income from Pro-Am Race Meetings. This support played a crucial role in developing local
riding and racing talent.
TOAST President Constance Cheng and Hinley celebrate 1993 National Day with a win in the MARA Classes 2
& 3 Combined race at the Bukit Turf Club's Pro-Am Meeting.
11 Aug 2024 - Pictured here with TOAST President are two esteemed racing editors,
Michael Lee and Sharon Zhang - long-time chroniclers of Singapore’s horse racing scene,
coming together following the closure of the Singapore Turf Club. Their presence marks a
quiet tribute to the stories, history, and spirit of a sport now consigned to memory.
TOAST President Constance Cheng honors Singapore racing's history with former editors Michael Lee and
Sharon Zhang.
28 Sep 2024 - Partial sponsorship of freight costs ($12,500) for Copper (Mighty Vain), a
TOAST retired racehorse at BTSC soon to be relocated to Copperpenny Park, Western
Australia. During his tenure at BTSC, Copper was too strong for novice riders except for
Rachel. Over time, Rachel has developed positive synergy with Copper and has requested
for Copper to be brought back to WA for her own leisure riding.
Ironically, his hometown is Western Australia — and now he’s heading back there.
13 November 2024 - In Memory of Leticia Dragon - A True Trailblazer
We remember with deep respect Leticia Dragon, Singapore’s first female horse trainer and a
pioneer in the racing world. Following in the footsteps of her father, Douglas Dragon, Leticia
forged her own remarkable path, training 178 winners, including Rising Empire in the 2012
Juvenile Championship and Star Emperor in the 2019 Jumbo Jet Trophy. More than her
achievements, Leticia will be remembered for her quiet strength, deep care for her horses,
and the inspiration she gave to so many - especially women in racing.
Her passing leaves a great void, but her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the
barriers she broke.
Thank you, Leticia, for everything. You will be missed but never forgotten.
A heartfelt photo of our president, Constance Cheng, with the legendary Leticia Dragon.
