Raffles International Cup incorporates Fund Raising Element to benefit Five Charities

The third Raffles International Cup kicks off at the Singapore Racecourse in Kranji today. Sponsored by Raffles International Hotels & Resorts and co-presented by International Herald Tribune, this exciting highlight in Singapore's racing calendar promises exhilarating track action.

In conjunction with this year's event, Raffles International is raising funds to benefit the Home Nursing Foundation and four charities, namely the APSN Tanglin Special School, The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre (Cheng San), Singapore Leprosy Relief Association and Bright Hill Evergreen Home.

Gracing the event as the Guest-of-Honour is Dr Wee Kim Wee, former President of Singapore and Patron of both Singapore Turf Club and the Home Nursing Foundation.

Raffles International Cup is the second leg of the Singapore Triple Crown, a premier racing series which links three prestigious races, namely Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Raffles International Cup and Singapore Gold Cup. The series identifies Singapore's top racehorses. 

Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman and CEO of Raffles International, said, "Just like 'An Evening At Angkor With José Carreras' which we presented in Cambodia last year and our annual Raffles International Wine & Food Festival, the Raffles International Cup is a brand marketing platform, and this event has become a favourite in the calendar of lifestyle events in Singapore. This year, the Cup incorporates a fund-raising element. Worldwide our hotels contribute to the communities they operate in as good corporate citizens. I am pleased that the corporate office of Raffles International, together with our four hotels in Singapore, rallied to raise funds for five local charities."

The International Herald Tribune has been a co-presenter of Raffles International Cup since its inception in 2000. Mr. Randy Weddle, IHT Managing Director Asia Pacific, said, "It is always a pleasure working in partnership with Raffles International. The Raffles International Cup attracts an eclectic and interesting group of people who enjoy the Form, the Fun and the odd Flutter on the day's races too. It's a great occasion on which to mingle with our friends at Raffles International and entertain our guests in a truly enjoyable setting."

Supporting this year's Raffles International Cup is Qantas and British Airways. The airline is adding excitement to the event by donating two return business class tickets to Sydney or Melbourne for fund raising for the charities. Qantas and British Airways Regional General Manager, South East Asia, Steve Limbrick said, "Qantas has long been associated with sports, both in Australia and overseas. We are delighted to be part of the prestigious Raffles International Cup and to have the opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause. 

"The winners of the Business Class tickets will be among the first in this region to experience the new Qantas Skybed -- a state-of-the-art sleeper seat which provides maximum comfort and privacy. We are certain that they will find it as distinctively enjoyable as today's event."