Asian Racing Conference chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges is worried over future for racing in certain parts of the continent
Fears are growing for the future of horse racing in certain parts of Asia as trends shift away from the sport that has been part of the social fabric for generations in places like Singapore, Macau and Malaysia.
Racing continues to grow from strength to strength in the Middle East and the sport also appears to be thriving elsewhere in jurisdictions such as Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. Indeed, the quality of horse in the Far East is better than ever, with Equinox from Japan and Hong Kong superstar Golden Sixty filling the top two places in the current world rankings.
However, the picture is nowhere near as rosy elsewhere. Singapore recently announced it would shut down racing in October 2024, while Macau is visibly ailing and there have been hints that Malaysia might also be struggling to maintain popularity with the public.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, spoke of his concern for the fallout from the Singapore closure – particularly in terms of animal welfare. “I personally think this was one of the major disappointments and setbacks,” said Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club chief exec.
“One has to respect the decision of the Singapore government, which obviously doesn’t see value in keeping racing and they think they can have alternative use of the facilities,” he went on.
“So, for me, it is not to comment on the Singapore government’s decision, which is up to them. But it has definitely created the loss of what we thought was still a sustainable racing jurisdiction – I think they had a $550 million or $520 million surplus – but it’s up to the Singapore government.”
Racing is a historic sport in Singapore, dating back to 1842 – but the island nation will host its final meeting on October 5, 2024, with a card featuring the 100th Grand Singapore Gold Cup.
Singapore’s ministries of finance and national development cite as reasons for the closure “land use for future generations” and “a decline in attendances” at the Singapore Turf Club’s Kranji racetrack, situated 14 miles north-west of the city centre.
However, Engelbrecht-Bresges believes the Singapore government departments may not have realised the consequences for all involved, especially the 700 horses trained at Kranji.
“I think the challenges of decanting so many horses in a certain period of time is maybe a little bit more complex than people in government were made aware of,” he suggested. “The decision has rattled the lives of a lot of people. My concern is animal welfare.”
As far as moving an entire horse population from one jurisdiction to another, he fears repatriation will not be an easy task. Hong Kong has been mentioned as a possible destination, though it seems unlikely.
“There are certain horses, maybe, but I think the ownership structure in Hong Kong makes it a little bit difficult,” explained Engelbrecht-Bresges. “People think the solution is Malaysia but the health state of the industry there is of concern to us.”
As for the future of racing at the Macau Jockey Club, which has undergone staff cuts amid a horse population dwindling to 200 with only 12 trainers and the the ignominy of five-race cards?
Engelbrecht-Bresges rules out a rescue package from the Hong Kong Jockey Club or that they might even offer help in a managerial capacity. “Our focus is very clear,” he said. “It is Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area on the mainland, not Macau.”
• Visit the Asian Racing Conference website and the Singapore Turf Club website
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