Singapore Turf Club – Kranji Racecourse
If you want to have some entertainment and run out of idea, try Kranji Racecourse also known as Singapore Turf Club. It is much cheaper compare to gambling in Marina Bay Sands. A totally different experience and if you like horses, this is really a cool place for you to spend on a Friday evening!
I have never been to any horse racecourse before and I am not a gambler too. Never bought a lotto or toto in my life but been to few casinos, such as, Genting Casino, Las Vegas Casino, Bribane Casino, Melbourne Casino & Sydney Casino.
Admission to Turf Club Singapore
Admission to Turf Club Singapore is not free but it is not expensive, there are several packages to choose from:
- The Grandstand at Level 1 – You can purchase at the ticketing counter which cost SGD $8.00 or use your Eazylink card which cost SGD 6.00 by just tapping on the entry.
- Owners’ Lounge at Level 3 – only for Horse Owners and their invited guests.
- Tourist Lounge at Level 3 – SGD 118 admission for 2 pax and 4 course of set meal.
I choose the cheapest option which does not include any meal –Β The Grandstand at Level 1.Β Bring along your Eazylink card to get discounted price, SGD 2.00 lesser than paying at the counter.
Get Your Gadget ReadyΒ
Before entering to the racecourse, there is a small kiosk selling magazine for hores racing and pens and far-sighted glasses.Β There is no pen provided in the racecourse so you need to get your own pen in case you need to place your bet from the counter.
Horse racing magazines available both in English & Chinese.
Betting Counter
Self Betting Kiosk
For frequent gambler,Β they used cards and can do it in the machine instead of going to the counter.
My First Bet
I have no glue how to place the bet, so I went to check with the staff. I found out the cheapest bet can be as low as SGD 2.00. I placed a SGD 5.00 bet on horse no 5. There are 12 horses to choose from. The staff asked me to study from the screens or read from the magazine but I didn’t, I just did a random pick on horse no 5.
My bet is number 5 ! Gold Kingdom
Gold Kingdom is a 2 year old chestnut colt, consisting of a reddish to brown coat with a beautiful mane.
How to Bet for a Beginner?
For a beginner, simply pick one horse to come in first, second or third. The minimum bet is SGD 2.00 . This is simple and easy to understand and also cheap to bet.Β Of course there are multiple ways of betting.
The Parade Ring
This is where the horses and riders parade before each race. It’s your opportunity to get a good look at the runners before you place your bets.Β The helper help to walk the horses out for the bettors to have a closer look at the horses before the race starts.Β I strongly encourage you to go the ring as it is really enjoyable to have watch the horses parading.Β If you notice closely at the horses they all look very different, especially their hairstyle.
Food Court 8
The food court serve simple food such as Bak Kut Teh soup, wantan noodles, prawn noodles, fried bee hoon, fried noodles and Laksa.
There are also tv screens showing information on the race in the Food court. Gambler does not want to miss any moment of the race.
Indoor and Outdoor Viewing
There are both indoor and outdoor viewing area.Β If you wanted to get closer to the horse, go outdoor but the downside isΒ –Β it is a smoking area and bettors usually smoke.Β Indoor viewing area has aircondition if you prefer some cool air while watching the race.
Singapore Racecourse History
Kranji racecourse was first opened on year 2000, it i a 81.2 hectare racecourse cost SGD 500 million. It is a very impressive racecourse if you happen to see it with your own eyes.
The first Grandstand and track of Singapore racecourse was built in 1843 at Farrer Park. At first, only Burmese and Chinese ponies were used instead of Australian griffins horse were brought in for the very first time in 1880. But the racecourse make the second move to Bukit Timah in 1933 and only restricted to members and owners.Β Glad that it is now open to the public and entry is very affordable too.
No Fancy Hat in Singapore Racecourse
If you are expecting some pretty ladies with big fancy hats in the Grandstand, then you may get disappointed.Β There is none!Β Singapore racecourse is totally different experience. Well, I used to watch Australian racecourse on TV, such as Melbourne Cup but it’s nothing like that.
Total of 8 Racing
There racing all year round on every Friday and Sunday. I went on a Friday night. Arriving very early before the race started. The actual races started at around 6.30pm. There are about half an hour rest interval after each race. So the race end at around 10 pm plus.
Enjoy the Thrilled
Before the race start, everything seems to be very calm. However, once the race starts, the shouts and screams get louder especially before the horses reaching the ending line for the race. I was pretty shock at the tense atmosphere. At the same time, I was also thrilled and enjoy the fun of watching my bet Number 5 running in the race.Β Too bad my bet, Gold Kingdom did not win.Β Number 4 won instead!
Weighed in. Weighed Out.
Jockey usually ranged from 49-54 kg. So you will notice they are pretty petite. I spotted some female jockey too!
Each horse has to carry a certain amount of weight so to make sure that it does so, all jockeys must weigh out before a race and the difference will be made up by thin lead weights in a special saddle cloth. And after the race, the jockey must weigh in with all his kit, this is to make sure that the horse carried the right weight.
Parking in Singapore Turf Club
Parking is SGD 6.00 per entry – flat rate.
By MRT Train
Stop at Kranji MRT station and walk for few minutes to arrive in Singapore Turf Club.
Dress Code :
- Jogging shorts and singlets areΒ NOTΒ allowed.
- No sandles
Final thoughts :
Expect no fancy hats at Singapore Kranji Racecourse and one bet is never enough! My betting has make the race much more appealing and exciting. No winning no problem, the 5 dollars bet has brought a lot of pleasure and enjoyment for my Friday evening. Truly an unusual experience which I wanted to try since many years ago. Glad I have done it once!
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53 comments
Oh I love how detailed this was! I have never been to the race tracks and this opened my eyes to what it would look like.
Dear Kourtnie,
Thanks for your kind comment. Singapore racecourse is a total different experience, different from what I seen in other racecourse from tv. It was my first racecourse and good experience overall.
Looks like you had a great day!!
I love going to the track and I totally agree, even a small bet makes it so much more interesting and you’re invested in that race just a little bit more!!
Dear Becca,
You are right, I placed my bet just to get more engagement in the sport race and be able to cheer on my bet horses!
That looks amazing I want to go!!!
I have always wanted to watch horse racing live. It must have been so much fun to watch! Any idea why sandals aren’t allowed?
I have also always wanted to watch horse racing live. π I am just a bit sceptical about horses and their lives…. I hope they are treating them well. They are not race cars, built for races…
Thou… I love what you have written. I’d love to visit Singapore
Dear Nina,
You have brought up a interesting issue. Are the horses being treated well? I heard horses are developed as a species by running to survive. But again, running and racing is totally different thing. Racing is to run ahead of the herd and get rewarded. I am not sure racing make horse unhappy.
I have never been to a racetrack but it does seem like something I should do once in my life. I don’t really like to gamble but it would be something unique to see!
Dear Ann,
Thanks for your comment. It was my first time to experience a racecourse and learn about betting too.
I’ve never been to a horse race, but I’ve always wanted to go to one! The Kentucky Derby is on my bucket list!
Dear Heather,
I too wish to visit the Kentucky Derby Horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky US one day with my big hat π
I love your photos! Thank you for sharing, it feels like I was there, too!
This article made me smile because it is just too cute!! Awww hopefully one day I will be able to bet on the races here, it looks fun!
What a cool experience! I’ve always wanted to see a horse race, but I’m too scared to bet anything lol.
Dear Lili,
Just bet as low as $2.00 won’t hurt your purse. But then I guess your worry is not to get hook and addicted to gambling. It was my first bet in my life and I already seem like addicted after the first bet! Lol.
I have stayed in Singapore for quite some time but I never knew about the races. ahaha I guess the people that I hang out with are not into it. This is actually interesting. If I had known, I wouldn’t mind spending a day here π
I’ve been to the races years ago and it was a pleasant evening out. I wouldn’t mind a night out at the races in Singapore.
I have never been to race tracks. However, looking at your posts makes me want to go once
I’ve always wanted to attend horse racing as it seems to be a really thrilling experience. I love the pictures you posted there, as I didn’t know one can attend horse racing in Singapore.
Dear Natalia,
The racecourse in Singapore Turf Club is open to public every Friday evening from 6pm plus till 10.30 plus and Sunday afternoon. The entrance fees is very affordable, as low as SGD 6.00 if you use the public transport card Eazylink. Alternatively you can also pay cash SGD 8.00, SGD2.00 more.
My husband was big on betting the horses. And they really do look different. It’s smart to check them out before betting.
Thatβs looks amazing
I tried riding a horse one day in a farm, it was beautiful experience. But I never been to horse racing before, may be I should try it one day.
I have never done any horse riding before and love horses. However I have done camel riding in the desert and it is slower pace. I hope to do horse riding one day.
This is an interesting post indeed for those who enjoy watching horse racing! It isn’t something I really understand but it looks fun.
Dear Elizabeth,
It was my first experience to bet a horse too! I totally have no clue at first but pretty easy and fast to learn betting and no, I don’t wish to get addicted to the games. Once is enough for me!
I’m not into horse racing but I’m interested to visit to see and experience the whole racing feeling. I heard the atmosphere is amazing and the food are also really nice. Will def. visit it next time I go to Singapore.
I’ve never been to Singapore, but I do have a bucket list, so I’m definitely adding this place!
I have never been experience to watch a real horse racing but it looks like a lot of fun to do but definitely not going to bet my money because I don’t have lucky in betting. Hahaha!
Dear Emma,
Just join the fun of betting, only after you bet, you will know which horses to cheer for. But remember don’t get addicted to the games!
This to me sounds like a perfect Friday night date! I love how detailed your post is – I was hanging onto every word as if we were chatting over coffee!! When we visit Singapore, we will be sure to visit here! The food at the food court sounds so delicious too!!!
Dear Tamalyn,
Thanks for your kind comment. Please note tha the Entrance is only for adult over 18 years old. You lovely pair of kids aren’t allowed to enter if you are traveling with them π
I’ve never been to a horse racing tournament before. I know it takes a lot of skill to be in one.
Omg i also want to watch a horse race match. Have you also attended the Ascott race?
Dear Blair,
I did a road trip covering almost whole UK last summer, been to Windsor to visit the Queen castle but did not get to see Ascot race. What ashamed as Ascot is just minutes away from Windsor π I should have checked Ascot race out while in England and see if the ladies are wearing fancy hats?? π
I never been to a race track, they are sort of popular here in Japan. But your easy-to-understand guide will help those who would like to try horseracing betting.
Dear Ai,
Glad to learn that horse racing in Japan is popular. Too bad I didn’t manage to watch any during my University years in Japan. And Singapore racecourse Turf Club is my first experience! π
This looks like it would be such an amazing experience. I have never been to a horse race before but have definitely heard that they are a lot of fun.
Fab look! I am absolutely in love with horses, wonderful animals
Dear Lyosha,
Just by looking at these beautiful horses made be excited and happy! Look closely as they are all come with different hairstyle. Pretty interesting.
The turf club looks like an interesting place to bring the family. Worth checking out when you’re in the area.
Dear Dana,
You are right about it, Singapore Turf Club would made a great place to spend for a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon.
I love going to watch horse racing’s. I’m same as you, I always bet on a random horse that I like the name of instead of looking at the odds
Dear Natalia,
Yes,since we are not the frequent bettors, we won’t really know which horses to bet. A random bet will do the trick π
What an amazing post! This seems like a cool place to be, horses have always been intriguing to me. Thanks for sharing! π
Wow, this is a beautiful racecourse. I’ve been to 2 different horse racing track, but this images is preetier. One to check also in Singapore.
Horse racing used to be a big event in the city where I live, but all of the race tracks have closed. I’d love to go and experience horse racing in person at least once.
Such a cool experience! Never been to a horse race before, sounds so funny!
Seems like you had a great time! I love going to the races, it’s always so fun x
Horse racing is fun to watch. It’s also nice to bet but don’t bet too much, just for fun and experience.
I’ve seen Kranji Racecourse,but still I haven’t got any chance to visit.Seems like interesting.I will plan a visit soon!
OMG! My husband and I was just at the horse racing last weekend (Charlestown Horse Racing here in West Virginia, USA) and we always have fun whenever we go! This looks like Charlestown too! π
I have never been to East Coast US, only been to the west coast such as California, Arizona and Neveda. America is too big to explore, California it self took me about 2 weeks to complete one round from San Diego to San Francisco.
Thanks for letting me know about Charlestown horse racing and hopefully I have a chance to visit West Virginia soon. I would also love to see New River Gorge National River and take picture with the New River Bridge.