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A trio of US-based racehorses are among the first international performers to arrive in Singapore ahead of the S$3.05 million CECF Singapore Cup.
Millionaire Parranda, Bajan and My Option all touched down on Wednesday morning at Changi Airport after being in transit for more than two days.
“It is fantastic to see Parranda, Bajan and My Option arrive in Singapore. They are not only the first of the CECF Singapore Cup entrants to arrive but the first of the international performers to arrive,” said Eden Harrington, General Manager for the China Horse Club.
“The CECF Singapore will see elite racehorses, jockeys, trainers, celebrated artists and also musicians in action over 21st and 22nd February and their touch down this morning at a little after 5am local time is really thrilling. It is an early Chinese New Year gift in many respects.”
The high quality trio of mares travelled from Miami, Florida via Luxembourg to Singapore having travelled without incident. They are expected to have a few quiet days before beginning more regular trackwork.
“After almost four months planning between IRT and China Horse Club, we are pleased to report that the three horses from Miami, USA have arrived safely in Singapore this morning,” said Lachlan Ford, IRT Asia Operations Manager.
“IRT is extremely pleased to be associated with the CHC and the upcoming race day. It is always pleasing when horses arrive in fine condition, especially when the trip from the USA is a test of stamina and horsemanship, loading in Miami and flying to Luxembourg where the horses are off load and then on forwarded to Singapore.”
Trainer Christophe Clement is overseeing the preparations of Parranda and My Option and is delighted with how his pair has been preparing for the CECF Singapore Cup. The two mares are new additions to his stable and have exclusively been set at Singapore’s richest race since late last year.
"Our team enjoys travelling and competing in prestigious international races. After Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong and Japan, we are delighted to be part of this exciting venture in Singapore,” he said.
“We are grateful for our relationship with the China Horse Club and the opportunity given to us to be among the best horses, jockeys and trainers from all around the globe. The entire stable is very excited with our two competitive contenders Parranda and My Option.
“Parranda is a top class filly as demonstrated in her very impressive victory of the G3 Marshua's River Stakes. She will be ridden by a world-class jockey in Christophe Soumillon. My Option is a lovely filly and even if she did not have a preparation race, she has been training very well.
“Both fillies have benefited from spending the winter in Florida at Payson Park since it is truly a great training centre for horses. We are all enthusiastic about the event.”
Meanwhile, the three Australian-based runners, Auvray, Orbec and Zululand also landed in Singapore on Thursday afternoon and are reported by China Horse Club to have settled in well.