Asian Racing Federation harbours concerns about Singapore’s rehoming of racehorses
One of the world’s most powerful racing administrators has urged the international racing community to rally around the Singaporean industry to help avoid a horse welfare catastrophe.
Hong Kong Jockey Club’s chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, speaking as the chairman of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), was yesterday dismayed at the impending closure of the Singapore Turf Club (STC) in October 2024.
The STC is a member of the Asian Racing Federation.
“Our thoughts are with the participants, owners, stable staff and fans of racing in Singapore,” Engelbrecht-Bresges said in an ARF-issued statement.
“The decision will have an enormous impact on many careers, businesses and lives which were based upon an expectation that racing would continue in Singapore into the future. It also poses major challenges to the welfare of Singapore’s existing horse population of over 700 horses which will need to be rehomed overseas.”
The ARF was briefed by the STC about the context of the government decision to reclaim the Kranji site and the work being undertaken to prepare for the closure of the local industry.
Engelbrecht-Bresges said the ARF expressed its concerns about the logistics of rehoming of a possible 700 horses once racing ends in Singapore and having suitably experienced staff employed to care for the horses in the lead-up to the end date.
The administrator also highlighted integrity concerns within Singapore racing over the next 16 months.
“Very extensive and intensive planning is now required to navigate major risks and challenges,” the ARF chairman said.
“Whilst the ultimate responsibility for the consequences of the decision will rest with the authorities in Singapore, I believe that we will need to harness the expertise and resources of the regional and international racing community to avoid major negative outcomes, particularly in relation to horse welfare, which have the potential to arise here.
“The ARF will endeavour to identify areas where we can provide relevant advice to assist the STC during this transition period.”
Engelbrecht-Bresges also recognised Singapore as a long-term member of ARF.
“The STC has made a major contribution to the sport of racing and wider society in Singapore, and on the world stage,” he said.
“The STC has also made an outstanding contribution to the ARF as an executive council member over many years.”