As Singapore bids goodbye to its historic Turf Club, we reflect on the loss of a cultural landmark and the speed at which we erase the past.
SINGAPORE: I still remember the first and only time I watched a horse race in person. It was at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment you walked through the entrance, the energy was palpable. The floodlights illuminated the track, visible from a mile away, while the music from the DJ booth filled the air. Wealthy businessmen gathered in groups, while regulars sat in the stands, intensely studying the odds as if preparing for an exam before placing their bets.
But in Singapore, it’s a different story. The Singapore Turf Club, which has been a part of the nation’s heritage, was already on its way out before the government sealed its fate by announcing the club’s closure. In fact, I hadn’t even realized Singapore had a racecourse until I heard about its closure.
Saying Goodbye to the Singapore Turf Club
By 2024, Singaporeans will bid farewell to the Singapore Turf Club, a cultural and historical institution that has been around for 180 years. After its relocation from Bukit Timah to Kranji a quarter-century ago, the club will host its last race next October. Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah explained that the land would be redeveloped for purposes such as public housing, leisure, and recreation. She also mentioned that race day attendance had been declining.
It’s not surprising that viewership has waned. Once a popular pastime for the wealthy, horse racing has failed to capture the interest of younger Singaporeans. Though young people certainly gamble, you’re more likely to find them engaged in a mahjong game than studying race guides.
But does Singapore move too quickly to remove spaces that are no longer in demand?
Out With the Old
It’s clear that the horse racing scene is on its last legs in Singapore—attendance fell to just 2,600 after the pandemic—but it’s disheartening how swiftly we’ve decided to end it. Singapore is known for its efficiency. We pride ourselves on swiftly tackling any blemishes or eyesores in our urban landscape, and this is certainly appreciated in cases like the renovation of People’s Park Food Centre, which had become dull and dirty.
However, the rapid redevelopment of certain sites, especially those with cultural or historical significance, raises concerns. Land scarcity forces us to choose development over preservation. For instance, Toa Payoh’s night vegetable market, a longstanding institution, will close in August to make way for housing. And earlier this year, we said goodbye to the Golden Mile Complex, a cultural landmark.
The closure of these spaces often carries a sense of mourning, even if we haven’t personally been impacted. While change is necessary, there’s value in preserving the history tied to these places, allowing future generations to appreciate the legacy left behind.
A Cookie-Cutter City?
Looking at the numbers, the decision to shut down the Singapore Turf Club makes sense. The 124-hectare site can accommodate 30,000 people, but it only draws a fraction of that number. Horse racing is also struggling internationally. Redeveloping the land to better serve the needs of Singaporeans seems like a logical choice.
But then there are the intangible losses. How do we measure the impact of closing a 180-year-old institution? How do we account for the dreams shattered among the jockeys, or the sadness of the diehard horse racing fans?
As Singaporeans, we understand the necessity of land management. When iconic landmarks are demolished and replaced with sleek, modern buildings, we accept the sacrifices made in the name of progress. However, what’s being lost is not just physical space, but a piece of our cultural identity.
Niche hobbies like horse racing will have to find new ways to exist, as Singapore Pools has announced that locals will still be able to bet on overseas horse races. But the thrill of watching a live race, the energy of the crowd, and the nostalgia tied to the Turf Club will be something we’ll never experience again in Singapore.
As cookie-cutter malls with the same anchor tenants continue to populate our neighborhoods, one can’t help but wonder: What’s next in the pipeline? Will we lose more spaces that don’t cater to the masses?
