The latest initiative from the Singapore Turf Club (STC) will pave the way for a new kind of ownership. One which will see the thrills of racehorse ownership and the enjoyment of an outing at the races combined at an affordable price.

STCRM has been created specifically by the STC to make racehorse ownership more affordable and will provide its participants with all the social enjoyment of the racetrack along with the chance to compete for over $39 million in prizemoney annually. One such avenue will be through ‘racing trusts’.

The very first racing trust, scheduled to be offered to the public in January 2003, will be known as ‘Orange Racing Trust’ and will comprise 50 stakeholders who will own and race a stable of five racehorses from Australia. Five of Singapore’s top trainers have been selected to train the thoroughbreds and they will be professionally managed by Mr Larry Foley, who has been seconded from his position as Assistant Manager (Racing Liaison) of the STC, to full-time Manager for STCRM.

"STCRM has been designed to make owning a racehorse easy. The STCRM team will be responsible for the overall management of the horses and will be answerable to the racing trust stakeholders. This will allow stakeholders to sit back and enjoy the experience of racehorse ownership. A part of the experience will be the opportunity to interact with some of the best trainers and jockeys that Singapore has to offer. The fact that five racehorses will be involved in the first scheme means the Orange Racing Trust colours should be a regular feature at Kranji, keeping the interest up all year round."

"With the outstanding facilities available for racehorse owners in Singapore, more people are becoming aware of the social aspect of racing and the thrills of ownership and a racing trust is an ideal introduction into the ‘King of Sports’, said Foley.

Mr David Chester, Managing Director of Magic Millions, a highly reputable bloodstock organisation from Australia, had carefully selected the five racehorses, which met with STCRM’s strict criteria for soundness and pedigree. The $39 million in prizemoney on offer to these thoroughbreds includes the 27 feature races that are staged at Kranji annually. Races like the $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup, the $1.25 million Singapore Gold Cup and the $1 million Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Sprint can possibly be won by a racing trust racehorse for a relatively small outlay by the stakeholder.

Stakeholders of the racing trusts will in addition enjoy many benefits including dividends from prizemoney won each year. Benefits such as an exclusive web page, stable tours, raceday functions, monthly newsletters and racing education seminars will also be available to stakeholders. On racedays, stakeholders can enjoy the luxuries of the Owners’ Lounge, complimentary admission to all race meetings at Kranji, free parking and the privilege to bring along one guest every raceday.

Mr Lau Kian Heng, Senior Vice President (Racing) believes the racing trusts will see the emergence of a new generation of racehorse owners in Singapore.

"The Club had received numerous inquiries from professionals and businessmen who are keen to own a share in racehorses and would like to start in a small way. STCRM will now offer these racing enthusiasts a hassle-free way of owning a racehorse. Stakeholders of racing trusts can be assured that their racehorses will be managed professionally in their best interest", said Mr Lau.