FLYING START FOR THE S$1 MILLION SINGAPORE AIRLINES KRISFLYER SPRINT

Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Turf Club have attracted some of the world’s best racing talent to Singapore for the inaugural S$1 million Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Sprint on 12 May 2001.

The 1200-metre sprint event, which will be held at the Singapore Turf Club’s spectacular Singapore Racecourse at Kranji, has attracted a total of 120 entries, including horses from Singapore, Australia, France, Germany, United States, Great Britain, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Ireland and Macau.

The Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Sprint will pit top Singapore sprinters Superb Effect, Military Chief and Trillion Win against some of the top sprinters from around the world, amongst them, Nuclear Debate, the highest rated sprinter in Europe which will be hoping to redeem his reputation after failing in the Hong Kong Sprint in December; Godolphin’s Bertolini who finished third in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and two of Australia’s top sprinters, Toledo and Bomber Bill.

During a signing ceremony held today at the Singapore Turf Club, Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice-President Marketing Planning, Mr Huang Cheng Eng, said SIA was delighted to sponsor one of the most prestigious sprint events in the region. “The KrisFlyer Sprint will give us an even greater role in developing and positioning Singapore as a world-class sporting and cultural event city,” he said.

Commented Mr Goh Yong Hong, Executive Deputy Chairman, Singapore Turf Club, “The KrisFlyer Sprint will provide a mega boost to not just Singapore racing but just as importantly, to the local tourism industry. The sport of racing has long captured the imagination of millions of racing enthusiasts around the world and racing fans are known to be fervent in their support of their favourite horse or jockey. It is our intention to work closely with Singapore Airlines as well as the Singapore Tourism Board to promote and develop the race into another major sporting event in Singapore for Singaporeans and tourists to enjoy.”

The sponsorship of the S$1 million KrisFlyer Sprint is in addition to SIA’s sponsorship of the S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup, one of the richest horse races in the world.