Turkish delights coming to Singapore
Turkiye may be better known for its kebabs and bronze medal at the 2002 Fifa World Cup, but Singapore racing fans will get to know more about its horse racing scene very soon.
In its constant quest to offer their customers a more diversified portfolio of horse racing venues, the Singapore Pools is introducing the little-known Mediterranean jurisdiction as the 13th country to join the roster from May 1.
Just two weeks ago, German racing wasadded to the fold onApril13, and has already seen the running of five meetings.
The Turkish launch will feature seven races from the Ankara racecourse, with the first event kicking off at 7.30pm Singapore time.
Though Turkiye does not spring to mind when international racing is talked about, it is actually one of the 17 full members of the Asian Racing Federation, which held its conference there three times, in 1973, 1990 and 2012.
From a historical perspective, it is not surprising it does boast a thriving industry, both in racing and its breeding arm.
For centuries, horses were an integral part of Turkish culture and daily life, be it as a mode of transportation, or used in agriculture, sports and leisure activities.
Popular tourist region Cappadocia is known as the Land of the Beautiful Horses, with horseback riding tours one of its featured activities.
This close rapport with horses has naturally progressed to equestrian sports and horse racing, which in its early nascent form, saw races held every Easter in Imzir from 1856.
It was not until the Jockey Club of Turkiye (TJK) was founded in 1950 that racing became more structured and better organised, with its first official races in 1953.
Today, TJK conducts its activities in horse racing at 10 racecourses, one training centre and pari-mutuel betting, both on-course and over 2,300 off-course betting shops.
Over 740 meetings and 6,400 races are held each year for thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians, who are raised at seven stud farms and covering stations.
The crown jewel on the Turkish racing calendar is the Gazi Derby – which will see its 100th running in 2026 – on the last Saturday of June at Veliefendi racecourse in Istanbul. Legendary horse Bold Pilot won the race in 1996 in record time.
The Istanbul International Racing Festival – also at Veliefendi – during the first weekend of September is also a much-anticipatedevent.
ItsInternational Bosphorus Cup was captured by global heavyweights like Godolphin (2013, 2016 and 2017), and even an old Kranji acquaintance,veteran British jockey Alan Munro (now based in Busan, South Korea), three times (2009 to 2011).
