3 minute read
Dark skies might be hovering over a Singapore horse racing industry already crippled by the gloomy economic climate brought about by the pandemic, but a few rays of sunshine are piercing through with two Kranji trainers leading by example by opening their wallets at a two-year-old sale in Australia on Tuesday.
All right, Daniel Meagher and Jason Ong didn't really go on a shopping spree with one buy apiece, or neither did they break the bank, but it is a clear signal of a genuine willingness to keep racing afloat.
It's unanimously recognised that horse owners and their purchases are the lifeblood of racing anywhere around the world. With the horse population at Kranji dropping steadily, it's rejoicing to know reinforcement is at hand thanks to owners' commitment to the survival of Singapore racing.
Meagher forked out A$50,000 for a Shalaa colt (Lot No 143, pictured on top) while Ong was the successful bidder for a Super One colt (Lot No 2) who was knocked down for A$80,000 at the Inglis 2021 Ready2Race Sale in Sydney.
To Meagher, it may be a small step, but to steal a line from Neil Armstrong, it could lead to a giant leap for racing.
"It goes to show people are understanding of the situation and they are still interested to invest in our racing," said Meagher.
"After fighting through those difficult times, owners can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
"We are privileged to be still racing in a great jurisdiction where the prizemoney is still good. Singapore is still very cost-friendly with the incentives the Club offers.
"Today, Jason and I bought, I was the underbidder to some, but other trainers are also still trying to buy, especially with sales coming up in New Zealand and the Gold Coast. I myself will look to buy a couple more in the coming sales.
"This is the positivity that this place needs. After all, it's still a bloody good place to race in!"
While the Shalaa colt (would be the first progeny from the Invincible Spirit stallion to race at Kranji) might be inexpensive, Meagher felt he had the ideal profile for Kranji.
"The sire is really flying in Australia. At A$50,000, it's a terrific buy for this price," he said.
"You can't buy expensive horses for Singapore, you have to find value for money. Such buys are still very effective up here.
"The Ready2Race concept is perfect as the horses are good to go. You can check the X-rays online, it's very easy to do.
"It's a team effort from my bloodstock agent, who comes up with a shortlist. We consult each other, with my brother Chris and Danny Beasley also weighing in before we cross the t's and dot the i's."
Ong was equally rapt he had secured a colt by a sire he had long been a fan of, more so when Super One forged his early career as an exciting juvenile in Singapore before heading to Australia.
"It's my first Super One, but of course we remember him as a horse here, but mostly, I like his progeny as they are very athletic and good-looking sprinters," said the young Singaporean trainer.
"I liked him from the breeze-up video. He was on my shortlist.
"What I like about the Ready2Race sale is you wouldn't take too long to race their horses, which is what the owners here want. The horses are well educated, and the budget also fits for this one.
"I also like it because few owners would look at buying from the trials as most of the good ones would go to Hong Kong. We just looked at the catalogue to shortlist the ones we liked, and also got Dr Dan Shaw to look through the X-rays.
"The main reason I wanted to buy two-year-olds is our Restricted Maiden races are still very strong with prizemoney of $75,000. Our Novice races are also still attractive with the same prizemoney of $75,000.
"I'm also looking at buying more two-year-olds at the Karaka Ready To Run sale on November 17 and 18.
"We have to keep the place going. We have to play our part."
