At times it may present a financial dilemma, like can they afford to forgo rides back home, and potential prizemoney if they would have sat on a few hot favourites?
A'Isisuhairi Kasim is no different, but a much more compelling reason got the Malaysian jockey on a plane from South Korea - the $1.38 million Group 1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2,000m) on Oct 5.
True, it is the race A'Isisuhairi or "Harry" as he is better known, has always dreamt of winning, but he had to ride at that "surreal" meeting by hook or by crook this time. The time-honoured race marks the final episode of Singapore's horse racing history after a roller-coaster ride which unfortunately nosedives to a standstill after 182 years of thrills and spills.
A'Isisuhairi's head actually told him to stay back in Seoul, but his heart told him to wing it.
"I spent 11 years riding here, I didn't want to miss out on the final day. It meant a lot to be here and say goodbye to everybody," he said.
"The Korea Racing Authority and the trainers understand it's not a normal meeting, it's the last day in Singapore racing and there's a Group 1 race."
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin October 05, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin October 05, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Biden Team Notifies Congress of Planned $11B Arms Sale to Israel
The administration of President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a proposed US$8 billion (S$11 billion) arms sale to Israel, a US official said on Jan. 3, with Washington maintaining support for its ally whose war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands.
Scarred by war, children who left Gaza face uncertain future
Questions linger on whether they can ever go home or if they should apply for asylum
Massive clean-up in Bali after 'worst' waves of plastic waste hit beaches
Hundreds of volunteers joined a clean-up in Bali, Indonesia, on Jan 4 as monsoon rains brought what an activist described as the \"worst\" waves of plastic waste to hit its tourist-favoured beaches.
Embattled British PM keeps calm even as Musk escalates attacks
Aides say Starmer is focused on ensuring an effective government
Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency With Focus On Security
Poland launched its presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan 3, mired in a diplomatic row with Hungary that underscored a deepening sense of political disunity across Europe just as it confronts a raft of major global challenges.
Moscow-backed region in Moldova hit as gas supplies are cut off
The cut-off of Russian gas supplies to Moldova's breakaway Transnistria region has forced the closure of all industrial companies except food producers, an official said on Jan 2.
Trump Sees Red Ahead of Inauguration With Flags at Half-Mast in Honor of Late President
Donald Trump said on Jan 3 that \"no American can be happy\" that flags will be at half-mast when he is inaugurated in January, claiming Democrats were delighted about the downbeat optics.
US farmers fret over Trump's promise to deport immigrants
Lifelong farmer Joe Del Bosque knows that America cannot live without immigrants, but he worries many of his countrymen think it cannot live with them either.
Mike Johnson Re-elected as US Speaker in Close Vote
Razor-thin Margin Highlights Potential Fissures Among Trump's Republicans on Capitol Hill
New Orleans attack puts spotlight on ISIS comeback bid
Despite US-led operations, militant group pulls off major hits while trying to rebuild
