Officials at the China Horse Club (CHC) unveiled details in a Tuesday press conference in Singapore for the inaugural China Equine Cultural Festival (CECF) to be held during Chinese New Year celebreations Feb. 21 and 22 in the Asian business hub.
“The CECF Singapore is a unique event and builds upon the success of previous CECF events in mainland China,” commented Teo Ah Khing, chairman of the China Horse Club, the host of the CECF. “The CECF Singapore will reinforce Singapore's image as a cultural bridge between East and West and position it as a center for the exchange of culture, business, tourism and new opportunities with the Chinese, who are arguably the most influential demographic today.”
Following a black-tie cocktail party at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Saturday evening, at which guests will mingle with renowned artists Mao Wen Biao, Li Xiaoling and Huw Williams as well as international horsepeople, the China Horse Club will host the CECF Singapore Race Day at Kranji Racecourse Sunday afternoon, featuring the inaugural running CECF Singapore Cup over 1800 meters. It will be the richest race run in the 173-year racing history in Singapore with a purse of S$3.05 million (US$2.26 million) and the Sunday program will also feature the S$200,000 CECF Singapore Prestige Classic at 1400 meters. The day will be capped by a performance from the hugely popular entertainer Kit Chan.
Jockeys and trainers from around the world scheduled to jet in for the weekend's events include Australia's Tommy Berry, Hugh Bowman and Blake Shinn; jockey Darryl Holland representing Japan; Belgian native Christophe Soumillon representing France; and Jamie Spencer for the United Kingdom. Trainers representing the China Horse Club and scheduled to attend include Christophe Clement from the U.S; his brother Nicolas from France; Francis Graffard, the youngest of the CECF Singapore Cup trainers, also from France; John Thompson and Jason Warren from Australia; and Roger Varian from the UK. Kranji-based conditioner Michael Freedman handles the local CHC runners.
The China Horse Club has made a significant commitment to acquiring bloodstock from all over the world. After spending $1.4 million Fasig-Tipton last November, the outfit signed for eight horses at the Keeneland November sale, accounting for $5,865,000, highlighted by the $2.8 million it gave for MGISW Iotapa (Afleet Alex). Through its agent Michael Wallace, the China Horse Club went to A$1.05 million for a son of Fastnet Rock (Aus)–Response (Aus) (Charge Forward {Aus}) at last month's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in Queensland. Teo Ah Khing raced G1 Investec and Irish Derby hero Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in partnership with Coolmore and remains a major shareholder in the 4-year-old's stallion career.
The China Horse Club is “China's premier lifestyle, business and Thoroughbred racing club” and “provides peerless experiences for members and their guests.” Over the last two years, CHC members have enjoyed 62 winners in eight countries, including the Thompson-trained First Seal (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the G1 Coolmore Flight S. last October; Tropaios (GB) (Excellent Art {GB}), who won the prestigious Longines Singapore Gold Cup in 2013; and Parranda (English Channel), who was acquired by the China Horse Club for $800,000 at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale and landed the GIII Marshua's River S. Jan. 10 in her first start for the Clement barn. She is a probable starter in the CECF Cup, the full field for which will be released Feb. 16.
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