Emirates Singapore Derby 2016

A classic racing carnival in Singapore rich in history, heritage and culture, dating back to the first race in 1880. The Emirates Singapore Derby had come a long way into the 21st century. Emirates had been a valuable sponsor, partner and supporter of this classic racing carnival and Emirates Singapore Derby 2016 marked the 21st consecutive year of partnership for Emirates Singapore Derby.

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Prior to the Emirates Singapore Derby 2016 racing carnival, Singapore Turf Club organised public roadshows as part of the latest 2016 edition of the Singapore Derby, with the roadshows taking place in central locations, Capital Piazza and CHIJMES. I visited the roadshow on 25th June 2016 at the Outdoor Plaza @ Capitol Piazza. The roadshow allowed the public to know more about the history and culture of Singapore Derby, there were opportunities for horse feeding and a golden photo opportunity with the horse! There were other fun and interesting activities that took place during the public roadshow too, fashion shows, appearances of Singapore Turf Club mascots.

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On Emirates Singapore Derby 2016 racing carnival day, we went to the Marquee at Singapore Turf Club, located on the same level as the race track and it was close to the high octane adrenaline filled racing action on the track! Inside the marquee, we enjoyed a fun and warm hospitality, accompanied by delicious food, music performances, friendship and networking with friends and guests.

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The ladies attending the Emirates Singapore Derby were gorgeous, their dresses, hats and fascinators were colourful, bright and striking. There was a mini fashion parade on-going out there during Emirates Singapore Derby Day! We, the gentlemen, didn’t lose out too much, we came in our suits and ties, looking smart, to complement the beautiful ladies present at the racing carnival.

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At the marquee, there is an open air deck, that allows the guests to go out and get close to the racing action. Whenever there was a race, the guests would stroll out and catch the racing action, cheering their favourite horses and jockeys on! This was also a great opportunity for them to take lots of photos and enjoy themselves!

During the Singapore Derby, there were a few races when their starting barrier was right in front of the marquee, a perfect opportunity for the guests to view the preparation and action by the jockeys and ground staff to get the horses into their barrier gate position. There was a heart warming moment for me, when one of the guests there cheered and shouted to a jockey, “ Come on Bossy!”. I turned to my side and smiled, inside my heart, I knew he’s a Aussie, probably a Queenslander too, cheering for his fellow countrymen in the race, jockey Glen Boss. I was absolutely stoked to hear this cultural interaction at the Singapore Derby racing carnival!

Having immersed myself in racing carnivals while studying in Brisbane, Australia. The feeling was good, to be back again and be a part of a great racing carnival right here in Singapore. A racing carnival goes beyond the horse racing, the hospitality, ambience, atmosphere and also not forgetting the gorgeous fashion displays! As the sun sets over the Singapore Turf Club horizon, marking the end of a successful and exciting 21st edition of Emirates Singapore Derby 2016.

I would like to thank Emirates and Singapore Turf Club for the invitation and warm hospitality at the Emirates Singapore Derby 2016 racing carnival.


Created with flickr slideshow.

 

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