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

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

“Eventually Singapore will be so sterile and neat, we will only stay to work. Any long weekends, or holidays, the entire population will disappear.” “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.” 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? “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.” “(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?” “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.” “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.” “(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.” “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. “Digital horses will take over, just like digital casinos. If there's a will to gamble, there's a way…” “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.