The Singapore Turf Club and Singapore Airlines yesterday announced the renewal of Singapore Airlines’ sponsorship of the $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup, the second leg of the prestigious World Racing Championships. The World Racing Championships is a global event linking the world’s top 13 international thoroughbred races in an annual championship.

Singapore Airlines’ continuing sponsorship of the Cup for a further five years from 2006 to 2010, was sealed last night at a signing ceremony officiated by Yu Pang Fey, President and Chief Executive, Singapore Turf Club and Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice-President (Marketing and the Regions). The renewal will see SIA sponsor the richest race in Singapore and one of the richest races in the region.

Commenting on the sponsorship renewal, Yu said, "The Club is delighted to continue this all-important strategic alliance with Singapore Airlines. Since the inaugural Singapore Airlines International Cup in 2000 to celebrate the official opening of the Singapore Racecourse at Kranji, the Cup has captured the imagination of the racing fans in Singapore and around the world. Annually, it attracts top international horses, as well as renowned jockeys, trainers and owners from all continents. It is our intention to develop the Singapore Airlines International Cup into an iconic attraction in Singapore’s exciting calendar of events and it is fitting that one of Singapore’s best icons, Singapore Airlines, is partnering us to grow the event. We would like to thank Singapore Airlines for their support of Singapore racing and for extending the sponsorship of the Singapore Airlines International Cup till 2010. The strong brands of Singapore Turf Club and SIA form a winning combination and will ensure that the race continues to rank among the most prestigious in world racing."

Huang, Executive Vice-President (Marketing and the Regions), Singapore Airlines said, "We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Singapore Turf Club on the Singapore Airlines International Cup. The event has achieved international recognition and is now the second leg of the prestigious World Racing Championships. We hope our commitment and support to year 2010 will further build on the strong foundation to grow SIA International Cup into an international signature racing event and enhance Singapore’s status as a world-class sporting hub. Through our extensive overseas network and international brand presence, Singapore Airlines will continue to develop new marketing channels and attractive products such as exclusive tour packages to draw racing enthusiasts, as well as other consumers, from all over the world to our shores. "