When the shock news broke yesterday that Singapore Turf Club (STC) would effectively close its doors in October 2024, it took most in the industry by surprise.
Yes, there had been whispers. But the definitive time frame – the last race meeting to be held at Kranji would be the 2024 Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup – hit participants hard.
And while the decision affects everyone – stable and STC staff, owners, jockeys, punters and racing enthusiasts alike – it is arguably the trainers who have the most skin in this great game.
Not just financially. Emotionally too, given the bond trainers share with the equine stars of the show and also a commitment – sometime lifelong – to their loyal staff and owners.
But as they say in the business, the show must go on.
So while heavy at heart as the news sunk in – and most likely still in shock at the long-term repercussions of the announcement – trainers got on with the job at hand this morning. Just like they had for the last 180 years or so.
For trainer Jason Lim, it was putting the final touches to the preparation of stable star Super Salute, the nominal favourite for the $110,000 Group 3 Silver Bowl (1400m) – the first leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge –on Sunday.
Only a small field awaits the Australian-bred son of I am Invincible, but a quality one with the likes of last season’s champion three-year-old Golden Monkey and the exciting Invincible Tycoon included in the eight horses nominated on Monday.
So while Lim will not be taking anything for granted come race day, the Singaporean conditioner could not be happier with Super Salute, as he aims to make it back-to-back Group wins.
“He’s fit and fresh to go,” said Lim of the horse who gave him his first Group success in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) only three weeks ago.
“I have just kept him ticking over since the EW Barker and he’s had plenty of gallops.
“He had a good trial for (jockey) Manoel (Nunes) last Thursday (won trial no. 3 on June 1 in 1 min 02.04secs) and will have his last piece of fast work tomorrow (Wednesday).
“I couldn’t be happier with him and I believe he is a live chance in the race.”
More than a live chance given he beat Golden Monkey – his biggest danger on paper on Sunday – carrying equal weight (54.5kgs) in the EW Barker over this same trip. But again, Lim is respectful of his opposition.
“Look, although we beat him last start and carry the same weight again (57kgs), Golden Monkey is the champion 3YO and (trainer) Tim (Fitzsimmons) has set him for the 4YO series no doubt.
“We did get the better of him (Golden Monkey) late in the EW Barker but it was a very good battle and I expect nothing less on Sunday.
“I’m not discounting the other runners too. Invincible Tycoon won very well last start (Class 3 race over 1400m on May 20) and I think he is very progressive. (Trainer) Stephen (Burridge) is training very well and this horse is a definite threat.
“And (trainer) Michael’s (Clements) filly (Istataba) has found form and gets a pull in the weights (55.5kgs), so it’s an exciting race.”
Of the bombshell dropped by STC yesterday, Lim had yet to fully comprehend the short- and long-term implications of the decision.
“I’m still in shock,” said Lim, who set up stables in his own right in April 2019.
“I can understand the Singapore Government’s decision about the land but I’m still coming to terms with what this means. Not just for me, but for my horses, owners and staff.
“My family have been racing enthusiasts for generations and for me it’s in my blood. I went to Australia back in 2004 to pursue my training dream and racing has been my life every since.
“It’s (the announcement) still raw. I really have to put it aside and concentrate on this weekend.”
Lim will also saddle Elite Legend on Sunday and hopes the son of Kodiac can win the $50,000 Class 4 race over 1600m and earn a spot in the $150,000 Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on July 2 – the second leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge.
“His (Elite Legend) Singapore debut (finished third in a Class race over 1400m on May 20) was very good,” he continued.
“It’s really tough for a horse to race well first-up over seven furlongs. Especially after a long quarantine period landing from the UK.
“He should improve. Manoel will ride him Sunday and the mile should suit. We bought him as a miler/stayer, so hopefully he can show he is up to a crack in the Stewards’ Cup and the Singapore Derby.”
The $400,00 Group 1 Singapore Derby is the third and final leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge and will run over 1800m on July 23.
