This Sunday’s S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) will include participation from Mainland China when the China Horse Club’s (CHC) Tropaios takes his place in Singapore’s richest race.
While involvement from Hong Kong has become common place in recent years, the involvement of owners from China is very much a rarity. Chinese interest in the event is expected to heighten with the appearance of Chinese model, personality and entrepreneur, Yolanda Huang. Yolanda will be a guest of the club to watch Tropaios compete and has promised to keep those in China up to date through her extensive social media network.
Ms Yolanda Huang
Yolanda was a guest of the CHC’s in Singapore earlier this year during the hosting of a gala dinner that culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Singapore Turf Club and the CHC.
The signing of the document was an acknowledgement that both clubs would work together to bring the CECF to Singapore – the first international destination for this culturally significant event. It is expected to be held within the next 12 months.
The CECF is the feature lifestyle event of the CHC and can be held both within China and at international locations around the world. The Singapore CECF may be the first of many similar international events held by the CHC in coming years.
At today’s barrier draw for the Singapore Airlines International Cup CHC Chairman, Mr. Teo Ah Khing, was delighted to have selected barrier five for the feature event. The 12 strong field is one of the best in recent seasons and an inside draw should provide champion Hong Kong jockey Zac Purton, with a lovely run throughout the race.
“Our trainer Michael Freedman has told us that Tropaios is very well, we have a champion jockey on board and we now have a barrier,” Mr Teo said.
“This is a fantastic race and we are delighted to be involved in it. It is very important to show that the Chinese are competing in these types of events on the world stage. Sometimes the journey to be involved is just as important as the result.
“Hopefully Tropaios is the first of many CHC horses that encourage participation from Mainland China in fantastic locations like Singapore. If he can run well it will certainly help build even more interest.”
CHC Chairman, Mr. Teo Ah Khing
Tropaios burst to prominence with a devastating last to first sprint in the 2013 S$1.35 million G1 Longines Singapore Gold Cup. Sunday’s Singapore Airlines International Cup became his immediate target after that performance.
“I can’t fault Tropaios, he is going really well,” trainer Michael Freedman said.
CHC Trainer, Mr Michael Freedman
“This is a very hot race and there are some fantastic horses here that have been competing on the world stage like Military Attack. But I can’t have Tropaios any better and if the speed is solid he will have his chance to run right up to his best.”
The Singapore Airlines International Cup will be broadcast into Mainland China on Channel News Asia at 8:40pm.