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Your Say: Will Singapore become more ‘boring’ without its Turf Club? TODAY readers weigh in

News of the upcoming closure of the Singapore Turf Club at Kranji stirred debate among TODAY readers this week. The announcement on Monday (May 5) took many by surprise, especially Turf Club employees, who were shocked and disappointed at the decision.

A view of the Singapore Turf Club on June 6, 2023.

A view of the Singapore Turf Club on June 6, 2023.

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News of the upcoming closure of the Singapore Turf Club at Kranji stirred debate among TODAY readers this week. The announcement on Monday (May 5) took many by surprise, especially Turf Club employees, who were shocked and disappointed at the decision.

Some readers lamented the move, saying that they feared the closure of the 180-year-old recreational institution would make Singapore more “boring”. Others cheered the removal of a gambling option, but questioned why some golf courses or football stadiums, which also take up valuable real estate, are not making way for other land uses instead. Here's a selection of comments:

NO FUN

“Eventually Singapore will be so sterile and neat, we will only stay to work. Any long weekends, or holidays, the entire population will disappear.” ALFRED HUANG

“Singapore is just becoming more boring. It’s a jungle of residential buildings and template copy-paste shopping malls that do not have (their) own identity… Only good side is that it is safe, but ultimately boring.” JOEY LIM

There has to be space… for alternative sports. Whether you like it or not, or call it gambling, the truth is it is still an ecosystem, made up of jobs. There is something special about the riders, the trainers and the people who run this based on a shared passion. So (if it) can make money then we keep (it)? Or if we can win a few medals then (it’s) ok? Do we just want all our kids to be bankers and tech innovators? KIM KOK

“Not a fan of horseracing. But I think (it) is a pity to let (the Turf Club) go. I think rather than eliminating it, and looking at horse racing as a gambling activity, it should be reimagined into a social activity with spin-off effects. You have… the Melbourne Cup, Kentucky Derby and Hong Kong Jockey Club (which are) basically tourist destinations. I think if it can be reimagined, not only will it preserve a big piece of history, it will also generate revenue and other positive economic impact.” XINGUS CHEW 

“Honestly, I visited (the Turf Club) once as part of a bachelor’s party. It’s actually quite good fun. So try it before it closes.”
SHANNON AW

WHAT ABOUT OTHER UNDERUTILISED VENUES?

“(For) a small island, we have too many golf courses occupying vast land areas. Why don't the authorities close a few and combine the clubs for public housing?” THANGAVELOO KADIRESAN

“Totally not acceptable! What’s next? It’s like saying the football stadiums aren’t filled… so we are going to remove football from Singapore? (The) Singapore Turf Club is part of Singaporean culture… It’s entertainment.” CHANDRAN SUPPIAH

“Numbers at (Singapore Turf Club) have declined, (but) numbers at football stadiums have declined too, and we still have hundreds of football fields on the island.” BENHUR SEBASTIAN

“Better take back the golf courses and start building housing also since we are so short of housing in Singapore.”
AKHTAR MANN

GOOD MOVE TO CURB GAMBLING?

“(The) Turf Club takes up a lot of space. When homes are a priority, gambling should not take priority. So this is an excellent idea.” WEI MIN LIU

“Since the 1960s I have observed those who dabbled in horse racing would put everything aside and discuss nothing but the horses, especially if it was a Singapore race. Those who lost heavily over the weekend would take urgent leave. Families were torn asunder by irresponsible horseracing buffs. Therefore, I think it is a good move to close down the course for good. Although one may say there is online gambling, it will not have the same following as it doesn't give the "kick" live racing gives. SOH YUEN

“Finally we will see the end of horse racing punters betting with illegal bookies at coffee shops and hawker centres.”
SEBASTIAN KANG

“Digital horses will take over, just like digital casinos. If there's a will to gamble, there's a way…” SIMON SIM

“We are land scarce. Gambling on horses generates some jobs and revenue, (but it) probably pales in comparison with the casinos. In addition, (the) casinos probably employ more people. HSJ HWANG

These comments were first posted on TODAY’s Facebook page. They have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length. If you have views on this issue or a news topic you care about, send a letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

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