Gareth Pepper Live from Singapore

Gareth is going to be sending us updates and videos/pics live from Singapore this weekend (tu)


Gareth


I arrived in Singapore this morning. what an awesome place. I was greeted at the airport by a driver who took me to my hotel.

At 12 Noon were the Draws for the Krisflyer Sprint and the Singapore Airlines international Cup.

Attached are snapshots of the draws.

Also a Happy birthday to Marsh Shirtliff today.

Rocket man drew 9 (same as Dubai)

There is a strong South African presence here and the atmosphere is great.

I am being treated very well and more updates to follow soon.

Regards
Gareth Pepper

Gareth

well the first day in Singapore was terrific. After the Draws for the two big races , we had a few hours of spare time.

Last night we had a Chill party, which was help at the Clarke Quak, a vibey area full of restaurants and clubs.

The evening started with a competiton to test the memory of all the guests to see if you could remember who won last years running of the Singapore International Cup. A lucky draw of the winning tickets were taken and first prize was A digital camera.

A lovely buffet was served and after that another competition. This time it was to find a commentator amongst the crowd that could casll last years race the best. there were six entrants but the best news of all is that our very own Aidan Lithgow won!!! (with a call that would not be out of place anywere in the world, it was absolutely brilliant) Aidan also won a Digital camera for his efforts.

I muist say that the hospitality is outstanding and the The Singapore Turf Club are doing a fantastic job.

Today is raceday here in Singapore and the race meeting is headed by the Singapore Guineas.

Some facts about Kranji;
-It was officially opened by Singapore President SR Nathan on Saturday 4th March, 2000
-The grandstand has seating capacity of 13,000 but can accommodate 30,000 racegoers
-there are 26 licensed trainers
-there are a total of 41 Floodlight masts, each 30-40 metres high which are strategically placed to allow night racing to take place
-The singapore turf club's website address is www.turfclub.com.sg/

I will be sending some more pictures and videos and also aidans winning commenatry soon.

Here are some videos i have uploaded so far

Rocket Mans draw

River Jetez's Draw -

Chill Party -

Singapore Betting Lounge -


There are a few form studiers on this trip so hopefully we can tip the clan a few winners

until next time
Gareth

Cheers guys sounds great all the best from a jealous punter

Pity the winner from the sprint is absent,our good old JJ THE JET PLANE,what a pity.

Hi Guys,

Well friday evening ended with a wonderful trip to the racecourse ad featured the Singapore Guineas.

One thing that grabs your attention at the racecourse is how excited the crowd gets as the horses turn for home. It gets so loud that you cant here the commentator anymore (attached clip - )

We are treated to another outstanding meal, and once again the turf club's hospitality is outstanding. At the races that evening was Phil Georgeiou and his Lets Go Travel group, consiting of Summerveld based trainer Kom Naidoo and several of his patrons.

Debbie Hawkins looks after the guys and explains the ins and outs of singapore racing including a few facts that the clan might find interesting ( Debbie )

- All owners recieve a rebate from the club of sing$900 per runner (unless it finishes first or last)
- The trainers recieve sing$ 450 per runner
- There are no restrictions on whip usage by the jockeys
- The Turfclub has not lost a racemeeting in 10 Years, often racing after recieving 45mm of rain and more!!!

On Saturday morning Aidan and myself get up at 4am to catch the bus to Kranji to meet up with Pat Shaw and also to watch trackwork that morning. The floodlights are in full operation as we approach the course at 4:15AM. (Kranji racecourse, a very special place - )

We get to see International runners Presvis (who looked outstanding) Sacred Kingdom and our SA hope RIver Jetez all having steady work leading up to Sundays Big Races.

We then wait for the KrisFlyer favourite Rocket Man, and he comes out just after 7AM. What an awesome specimen. He has size, beauty, the looks and walks like he knows just how special he is. Barend Vorster takes him on the polytrack and he does a nice, easy canter, not giving away much before the big race.

We then head off to Pat's Stable with long time assistand Ricardo who fills us in on the day to day running of the stables.

We get to see Rocket Man who is an absolute gentleman and also interview Pat on his experiences in Singapore and other details, which will be flighted on Tellytrack in the near future. We also catch up with Rocket man's owner Fred Crabbia
and i get the feeling that this superstar will do everyone proud come sunday.

One initiative I would like to touch one is that of the Singapore Turf Belles. best described on their website as "The Singapore Turf Club is proud to present to you our Top Ten finalists for the inaugural Turf Belles campaign. Ten gorgeous ladies specially chosen for their uniquely different personalities, coming together through their love for the King of Sports. "

These ladies have been tremendous ambassadors for the turf club and are present at all the events, doing a sterling job. Their website (which is definitely worth having a look at is www.turfbelles.com/ )

Well thats all for now, I look forward to updating you on our Gala Dinner and of course the big raceday on Sunday

Until next time
Gareth

Thanks again guys (tu)

Great horse and a fantastic jockey. He is in his 50s already I wonder how many have a go or have had a go at him when he does not win. To those who curse and swear at riders like him and Neisus take a good look at yourselves, The majority are overweight and could not run up a flight of stairs without stopping and gasping for air. Men of their age doing what they do should be applauded everytime they dismount even if it be dismounting off a horse that ran last.