Top International Racing in Singapore this May
In the year 2000, the Singapore Racecourse was inaugurated in Kranji and the Singapore Airlines International Cup was held for the first time. It is the only horse racing event in Singapore that is open to international competitors and received its Group 1 status in 2002. During the first few years of this two thousand meter flat racing event, it seemed that the Asian countries would not be able to dominate the Singapore Airlines International Cup, but that all changed in 2006 and 2007, with two Japanese horses named Cosmo Bulk and Shadow Gate.
The Singapore Airlines International Cup is for three-year-old horses and it has seen some of the world’s best compete in this racing event. In 2000, the race was won by Ouzo (New Zealand), following with Endless Hall (Great Britain) in 2001, in 2002 Grandera (UAE), in 2004 Epalo (Germany), in 2005 Mummify (Australia), in 2006 Cosmo Bulk (Japan) and in 2007 Shadow Gate (Japan). During the 2007 event, spectators were brought to their feet when Shadow Gate crossed the finishing line with the previous year’s winner, Cosmo Bulk, second on his heels.
For the 2008 Singapore Airlines International Cup, which takes place on 18 May 2008, a hundred and six nominations for the race have already been received. Countries such as New Zealand, USA, Japan, Ireland, Macau, South Africa, France, Germany, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Hong Kong have listed some of their best horses for this prestigious event. Horses including Honor in War, Miss Finland, Doctor Dino, Balius, War Artist, Pressing, Bullish Luck, Hello Pretty, Wonder Steve, Dragon Fire, New Kuala Dipang, Spin Around, Atlantic Air, Superczar, Ace Armada, Jade, Jay Peg, Royal Vintage, West Wind, Stream of Gold and Illusive Fort are listed, however, there are a few horses that stand out from the nominations.
From the United Arab Emirates, horse racing industry insiders have named Literato and Ramonti as strong contenders, while Cosmo Bulk, Shadow Gate, Vodka and Matsurida Gogh from Japan have been nominated amongst the favorites. Other horses that have been singled out as formidable competitors for this year’s race include Doctor Dino and Kocab from France, Mummify, Rubiscent, Niconero and Casino Prince from Australia and Stream of Gold, Spring House and Invasor from the USA. A very special entry into the race comes from England. Banknote is personally owned by Her Majesty the Queen and the two other noteworthy entries from the English, include Finsceal Beo and Pressing. South Africa has entered four very strong horses, namely Oracle West, Lucky Find, Sushisan and Linngari; while Hong Kong horses to keep an eye on are Hello Pretty, Floral Pegasus and Bullish Luck. Punters and spectators will also be hearing a lot about Seachange, Sir Slick, Lord Admiral, Bob’s Pride, King and King, Top Spin, Chevron, Quijano and Onceuponatime.
With the nominations line-up and prize money of approximately $3 million, the Singapore Airlines International Cup is set to be an event of glamour and excitement and spectators should not forget to take the opportunity to dress for this racing spectacular.
