After the hype and excitement of Derby weekend, this past weekend’s racing was pretty quiet in comparison. It was also great to catch up with Cape owner Marsh Shirtliff, who was in town for a few days, writes Gareth Pepper.
I attended the Arsenal vs Everton game at the national stadium.
If first experiences are anything to go by, I will definitely be back to watch sporting and social events there. What an incredible stadium. The atmosphere and general ambiance was simply incredible.
Arsenal duly obliged and the stadium was awash with the famous white and red of the London based team.
I was happy that they took the honours as my mate Guy had a sleepless night on Friday and our mutual friend Butters was beside himself with worry prior to kick-off.
A wonderful experience that comes highly recommended and I believe there will be 3 Super rugby games played there next year. I will most definitely be a spectator at all 3!
The Marshian
Owner Marsh Shirtliff enjoyed the Pocket Power days and is a part-owner of Helderberg Blue
I had an incredible steak with Marsh, Guy , Kerry Shirtliff and a few other Saffers on Sunday evening – simply incredible.
Steaks are a precious commodity in Singapore and they are extremely expensive. So a big thanks to Marsh for his usual kind and general self and for footing the bill. Things haven’t changed, he is still a gentleman and it really is always great meeting up with him.
I have been out and about recently and have made some good expat friends outside of the racing industry.
I have also joined the African Society – a social group that convenes bi-monthly for events. Next month a Braai is being held and I am extremely excited to meet the group and hope to make some more friends – it makes all the difference here. Not that there is anything wrong with my current group of friends, but as they say, the more the merrier!
Appetising
This weekend’s racing looks really appetising.
Corey Brown rides Super One
Unbeaten juvenile Super One is back on track and Corey Brown has picked up the ride on the star galloper.
He looks way above average and all going well he looks set to target the Melbourne Spring Carnival in November. Keep an eye on him, he is special.
We also have the Chairmans Trophy – Stepitup is back again after his Gr3 success 3 weeks ago.
One horse of interest is Flax, owned by Dennis and Gail Evans. He is not the biggest, but gutsy courageous and tough he certainly is.
The 8yo son of Silvano is an eight-time winner from 27 starts and has earnt the Evans’ over 1,1 million Sing Dollars.
Great Job
David Hill and his daughter Sam have done an outstanding job with him (he suffers from heat exhaustion at times and they keep an extra special close eye on the amazing little horse)
We also have the Korea Racing Authority Trophy – 3 Korean horses have flown in to take part in this prestigious event.
My Lucky Strike – few peers over 1000m
Locally My Lucky Strike could just turn out to be a super sprinter here in Singapore. Although he is an unknown at 1200m, over 1000m here he has few peers and looks exciting.
Hold thumbs, he is really speedy and has an explosive turn of foot that has seriously impressed all.
Till next time.
