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Emirates Singapore Derby 2017 @ Singapore Turf Club!


The 22nd edition of the Emirates Singapore Derby on  Sunday 9th July 2017, was one of the most prestigious and anticipated events on the local racing calendar. 

The long-established partnership between Singapore Turf Club (STC) and Emirates has made Emirates Singapore Derby a coveted racing event in the region as well as a prominent social event. On top of that it was telecast ‘live’ on Channel NewsAsia, Hub Sports Arena and Eleven Sports Network. I was extremely honoured to be invited by Singapore Turf Club to be part of this event. 

As a passionate enthusiast of the Sport of Kings, Emirates is involved in some of the biggest carnivals and races around the world including the Emirates Melbourne Cup, the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Emirates is a proud parent of the internationally renowned Godolphin Stable – the Maktoum family’s private horse racing stable, which has produced some of the world’s highest horses and jockeys.

Source: http://www.derby.sg/emirates.html

To match the exhilarating action of the thoroughbreds vying for the $1.15 million prize money, the dazzling showcase of derby fashion with fashionistas donning their hats and fascinators and gentlemen in their smart-looking suits which was a feast for my eyes too. 

“The Singapore Derby is one of the longest running races on the local racing calendar and
we are very glad to have Emirates on board as our esteemed partner to make this possible.
We trust that our guests and visitors alike will enjoy themselves with the myriad of activities
which we have planned for the Emirates Singapore Derby, both on and off the tracks,” said
Mr BC Chong, President and Chief Executive of Singapore Turf Club.

I was so excited about this event and prepared a week in advance from the fascinator, dress, makeup artist and photographer for the day.
It took place at the Marquee Singapore Racecourse. It is located on the same level as the race track, offering lose proximity to the racing in action. We were brought over to the Marquee with a private bus right at the pickup point of Singapore Turf Club entrance. The program started at 1235pm.
I was just in time for the fashion show that started shortly. With the beautiful showcase of outfits and fascinators that add a touch of colours and energy to the event. 

Special appearance by the finalists of Miss Singapore International 2017. Missed my pageantry days and attempted to strike a similar pose with them too. Do I look the part?

How about a group shot with the invited influencers? 
They were all looking dressed up for the event. Thank you Ms Jessie Leong (standing beside me in white floral dress) and Mr Yeo Hong Peng (beside Jessie) for making it possible for us!
Browsing through the official programme booklet for the race info before I try my luck in guessing the winner horse of each race.

Writing down my guess after going through the booklet. I had never ever tried horse betting but since this is just for the fun of it without any money involved so let’s see. Wish me luck!

Enjoying the delectable lunch buffet spread, complete with free flow of beverages before the next race starts. Cheers! Oh.. Did I share that the live performance was awesome too?

Besides the food and drinks, an exclusive Emirates Cap and Bear are also included in each Marquee Package ($128) for guests to bring home as momentos of their Derby adventure.

Everyone waiting intently for the race to start…  How often do you get to dress up, watching the race with a glass of wine in hand in such perfect weather?

Let’s go!!!

Let’s have fun shot before a decent one. Jessie was all too gamed to play along with me while Hong Peng stood aside looking so cool.

Ah-hem… Let’s have Brother Hong Peng closer to us… How about this shot? 

Let’s get back in for the best dressed contest for the event.

Made some new friends who came together for some good fun on a beautiful Sunday. Load of conversation and friendship was made on that day.

Invited guests at the Committee Level will partake in the “Best Dressed to the Races” contest. The winner, selected by a panel of judges, will receive a pair of Emirates Business Class return tickets to Melbourne, including two nights accommodation at the Olsen Boutique Hotel and a pair of Parade Lounge tickets to the Emirates Melbourne Cup in November 2017.

Meet Ms. Tanya Ghahraman, winner of the “Best Dressed to the Races” contest! Isn’t she gorgeous and looking like the Victoria’s Secret model. She certainly rocked the stage as she was sashaying in her dress. A well deserved win!

The influencers were then taken for a walkabout where we could get closer to the races.

It was such a coincidence to meet a familiar face and definitely started talking.

How do we look together?

Up close and personal with the horses before they were brought to the races at the parade ring. This is an area only opened to horse owners, trainers and their guests. An amazing experience watching the horses warming up before the Race 9 Emirates Singapore Derby .

Let’s take a group shot in remembrance! Love the muti-colours outfit as a group.

Bumped into Dato David Cheang and his friend who is a horse owner.

Happy to see another pair familiar faces Richard Herrera (Beam Artiste) and stylist Sharon Tan also seated nearby. I was laughing at this epic photo really! Just look at my reaction. Hahaha…

Forget about the unglam shot above and let’s a proper one together. Don’t they look so compatible together!

The adrenaline was built up at 450pm where the race was all set to go… The race that we been anticipating for! Everyone was cheering with the winner emerging in a matter of mins. Jockey Manoel Nunes steered his horse, Infantry, to victory at the Kranji Racecourse, crossing the line in 2:02.29, with Lim’s Samurai and Nova Strike in second and third place respectively.

Prize Giving Ceremony!

Mr Andrew Bunn (Emirates Country Manager for Singapore, Brunei & Malaysia) presenting the Emirates Singapore Derby trophy to winning owner General Noppadon.

Major win to capture the prestigious $1.15 million Group 1 race over 2000m. for galloper Infantry with Manoel Numes(below photo) astride, the son of Tavistock, who was the joint second favourite ($28) with Alibi and Elite Excalibur (Michael Rodd).

It was an emotional win according to the Today’s online for Trainer Alwin Tan, Singapore’s reigning champion trainer in his eight years at Kranji. “This is the biggest race I’ve ever won. I can’t find words to describe how I’m feeling now,” said Tan.
“All I can say is that I’m very happy and also for the Thai owners who came here to support the horse.

Source: http://www.todayonline.com/sports/infantry-powers-his-way-victory-emirates-derby

Infantry (No 5) reunite with Manoel Nunes in the Emirates Singapore Derby.
Photo credits: Singapore Turf Club 

Third from left: Mr Lim Joo Boon, Chairman of Singapore Turf Club, Mr Andrew Bunn, Emirates Country Manager for Singapore, Brunei & Malaysia and Mr Suresh Sukumaran Nair, Honorary Steward together with the winning connections of the Emirates Singapore Derby 2017 at the Prize Presentation Dais.

After all the glam and excitement, the announcement of the Best Dressed E-fluencers was made. Winners will walk away with a bottle of champagne and an exclusive horseshoe! Drum rolling…
Congrats Feliza Ong for winning one of the Best Dressed with her chic stripe dress and soft curls. 

Congrats Elaine Heng for looking ever so stunning in her sexy red number and looking so radiant!

Congrats to our only Best Dressed couple Shirley and Kenny with their royal blue coordination!
Feeling awesome winning the award too with a green toga slit dress and black fascinator but credits goes to a list of other sponsors who made it all possible and I would need to say thank you to them below!

Special thanks to:
Hydra Facial & Slimming: Face, Body & Skin Aesthetics Medical Centre
Makeup/Hairstyling: Esta Hsu
Bling Nails: Dear Princess Beauty Salon Tokyo
Eyebrow embroidery/Hair Removal: Beauty Recipe Aesthetics – Semi Permanent Makeup, Lashes, Training
Phyto Hair Products : Beauty By Nature @ Vivocity
Lierac Premium Skincare: Beauty By Nature
Serums : V10plus
Lash : Lash Regrowth
Hair Salon: Charles D. Tan Headlines Hairdressing
Image Styling: Ministry of Image Consultancy
Photography: Macrostudios


Missed all the action of the race and award ceremony and like to view it? Click on the link below from toggle!
Thank you Singapore Turf Club for your kind and warm hospitality to the Emirates Singapore Derby 2017. This was truly a day of exhilarating races, glamour fashion, totally spoiled by the food/drinks not forgetting the unique up and close experience with the horses/owners/trainers. An unforgettable experience which I would definitely look forward to in 2018! 
Wanna see more shots of me in at the beautiful Marquee area:
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Before the actual day on 9 July, there was a kick off with a public roadshow on the weekend of 24 and 25 June 2017. Held at Kallang Wave Mall at the Singapore Sports Hub, the roadshow will bring the sport of horse racing to the heart of Singapore and give the public an insight into the world of racing and the history of the Singapore Derby; which predates our nation’s independence, as excitement builds up to the prestigious Group 1 Emirates in Singapore Derby race over 2,000m on turf at the Singapore Racecourse on Sunday, 9 Jul 2017.

The activity line-up for the weekend includes:

  • Exhibitions – Equine, History of Emirates Singapore Derby and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Horseshoe pitching competition
  • Charity sale of Emirates bears and customised NETS FlashPay cards for a good cause 
  • Magic shows and music performances
  • Appearances of STC mascots, Racer and Clover
  • InstaPhoto booth
I couldn’t help but bought the Emirates bear set with the customised ezlink card and yet do my small part for charity towards Sunbeam Place (managed by Singapore Children’s Society) at just $20!

My #faithangels family photobooth experience! Jayden love the red Emirates cap and put it on immediately for the instant photobooth.

The personalised ez-link card came with the charity set I bought. I gonna use this everyday for my public rides.

The gals had fun with the colouring contest at the atrium while I explore the various exhibition boards to read more about the event.

The musical performance that kept the afternoon full of energy and beautiful notes.

Thank you Turf Club once again for creating the opportunity for me and my angels to have a cozy bonding afternoon!

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About me
Celestia Faith Chong

A blessed single mom of three kids, Celestia came from a humble background with a roller coaster life journey. Single-handedly, she overcame the challenging hurdles and strived for success.

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