Before I proceed, let me thank Jin Ha Kim Photography for some of the photos in this post. Those photo that are not watermarked are all courtesy of the photographer while the ones with the renzze.com watermark belongs to yours truly. The Emirates Singapore Derby returned to the race course for another exciting year with a $1.15 million prize money.
I’m sure you’ve known by now that I regularly attend the Singapore Turf Club events but each and every one always brings its own uniqueness and surprises so the excitement is always there. Of course, having the right company to enjoy the atmosphere is also very important.
Into its 18th edition, the Derby is the second richest domestic race in Singapore and forms the final and longest leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, a series of three races with varying distances and restricted to four-year-old horses.
Enjoying food and drinks in the air-con marquee, we were able to be shielded from the harsh mid-noon sun and we came out to be closer to the action only when the race was in progress. You can feel the ground vibrate as the horses thundered by, working hard to be winners.
Other than counting your odds and placing your bets on your favourite horses, the marquee was alive with various on going activities such as lucky draws and wacky photo booths to keep you occupied in between the races.
I was spotted by the organiser which requested me to be a contestant in their “Best Dressed To The Races” contest. I felt a little self-conscious among the other pretty and tall contestants. Look at how tiny I am next to them!
It wasn’t just a simple pick your winner of course as we were asked questions, told to catwalk as well as give a unique pose. I don’t respond very well when I’m in the spotlight with a room full of strangers watching my every move but with the encouragement of the awesome people at my table, I did my best. Afterall, I was the only Singaporean representative up there!
It was all for fun of course and I think the best dressed segment brought about a lot of excitement for the guests. And the winner is…
This Australian lady! Congrats!
We did a small little detour to the owner’s lounge before heading to the parade ring to see the horses.
This is probably my favourite place in the Singapore Turf Club because I get to watch the race horses up close and feel their moods and temperaments just before they race.
Pictured above with my two guests, Daryl and Kristine, both of which are enjoying their first visit to the Singapore Turf Club. Kristine is also the talented lady behind the creation of the headpiece I was wearing that day as well as some of the other ladies. You might remember her from my Singapore Blog Awards 2013 post where Eskpade sponsored my hat.
I also got to meet Belinda who brighten up the day with her witty conversations and interesting experiences.
Everyone moved to the winner’s circle as we prepared to watch the main race event of the day! The 18th Emirates Singapore Derby aims to do its part for charity, by raising funds for various voluntary welfare organisations around Singapore including the HCA Hospice Home Care Service, and MINDS Woodlands Employment Development Centre. Guests may contribute to this worthy cause through the pre-sale of booking tables, as well as outright donations.
Champion mare Better Life did not disappoint Daryl nor I when she galloped in for a smashing victory in the $1.15 million Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m). Oh yes, I had my sights (and bet) set on her!
The surprising news was delivered by trainer Hideyuki Takaoka shortly after she was over the line that this awesome victory also marks the mare’s last race. They had already planned for the retirement regardless of a win even though Better Life had 8 wins and only 14 starts.
Nevertheless, Better Life ended her glittering career on a high note bringing much joy to everyone who watched her.
Thank you Singapore Turf Club for the wonderful invite, it’s been so much fun once again!
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Outfit of the Day
1950s Dress: Dustbunny Vintage
Heels: Korean
Bespoke Headpiece: Eskpade
And much thanks to the overall look goes to Sabun Cabane for creating the glamorous hairstyle for this event. Serene gave me old school vintage curls and managed to tuck my hair in so it looks shorter like most teenage prom girls of the 1950s.
Sabun Cabane
Tanglin Mall, #03-22
163 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 62352910