THE RACE IS ON
Savour unique racing experiences through The Racing Club’s exclusive racing programmes
THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the thrill of a horse race for a horse and racing enthusiast. From the anticipation you feel watching horses at the starting gate, to the rush of excitement as it gallops across the finishing line, followed by the exhilaration of victory at the end – the whole heady experience is unlike anything else.
In April this year, I and other members of The Racing Club watched one of the Club’s horses, Young Legend, win a spectacular race. The horse, a fan favourite, had just returned to the track after a six-month-long recovery from injury, with champion jockey Zac Purton.
As the race began, Purton positioned Young Legend into a prime trailing spot and stalked the race leader until opportunity arose. After balancing up in the straight, Young Legend took the chance to powerfully push through to the finish line, resulting in a fantastic win while showing us all its great athletic and race potential, about which trainer Danny Shum and Purton both agree.
It’s truly wonderful to witness a race in the company of family and friends – and especially when the Club horse wins.
During October, we watched another of the Club’s horses, Young Glory, win its very first race. He’d just turned five and finally begun to show his true colours and full potential. Ridden by the South African Grant van Niekerk, it seemed that victory was finally on the cards, but we couldn’t bank on that until horse and jockey had crossed the finish line.
The race began with Young Glory settling at the back and conserving energy, and after one circuit, it was time to straighten up for home. The thundering sound of hooves pounded the track and Young Glory sped ahead, putting one-and three-quarter lengths on the opposition, before charging through like the cavalry, while the crowds cheered him across the line. That unforgettable feeling of stepping under the Winning Arch for the winning photo with both trainer and jockey, and celebrating with champagne, is something that we’ll never forget.
Over and above the races, we’ve also had the opportunity to visit to the Club horses at their stables. I really love such intimate moments with the horses, as you come to understand that each has his own unique personality. Young Glory is definitely my favourite, because he’s very sociable and approachable. Finding him in the stable is like visiting an old friend who always greets you enthusiastically.
Members can also gain racing insights through behind-the-scenes programmes, chatting with famous racing personalities such as jockeys and trainers, joining overseas race tours and more. Through these unique experiences, The Racing Club has allowed us to explore the sport like never before, and all while we’ve been able to build our networks and join a community of like-minded racing enthusiasts, who’ve since become firm friends both beside and away from the racetrack.