History

Bukit Timah Saddle Club’s strengths today are solidly grounded in show jumping and dressage, and yet the club’s history is intertwined with the development of racing in Singapore.

Racing enthusiasts formed the Singapore Sporting Club in 1842, and by 1927, the organisation bought part of the Bukit Timah Rubber Estate. Despite racing being halted due to World War II, there was a great deal of post-war activity, and 1951 saw the formation of Bukit Timah Saddle Club on part of the estate.

The inaugural members intended to extend the life of retired race horses, re-training them to pursue other equestrian activities, such as show jumping. Amateur racing was permitted at the time in Singapore, and many members trained their amateur race horses alongside those of professional trainers.

By 1961, attendance at the races was no longer restricted to members and owners, and 20 years later, a new grandstand was opened at the Bukit Turf Club, accommodating 50,000 race goers in the two stands.

The popularity of horse racing in Singapore continued to grow, and as the organization changed its name in 1994 to Singapore Turf Club, plans were underway to move to new premises in the north west of the island.

By late 1999, the former Bukit Turf Club was left empty. The grandstands and public spaces were converted to other uses, and many of the stables and facilities were demolished. Bukit Timah Saddle Club was given authority to remain on the estate.

1999 saw the end of amateur racing in Singapore. For this reason, the club’s focus has become show jumping and dressage, and sport horses from Europe and Australia now train in these disciplines, alongside off the track Thoroughbreds which have been re-trained to excel in their second careers.

BTSC is steeped in history and many of our employees worked at the Bukit Turf Club. Other employee’s parents lived in the former staff quarters of the Bukit Turf Club, growing up on the estate. BTSC members and employees are rightfully proud of their long history, and even though time has brought about changes, the pursuit of excellence is still part of the club’s lifeblood.