Claire's Flair

Have you ever watched horses race? Not just any horse race but the ones held at the Singapore Turf Club!? It is truly an experience and if you can, try to catch one of the big races which are held a few times a year. Most people in the air-conditioned areas dress to the nines, decked in unusual fascinators (the things on their heads, no they're not hats), you'll see guys in suit and tie, oh and rooms with free flow of alcohol! If your schedule doesn't permit, normal races are on most Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. I wouldn't call myself a gambler or an addict who needs to bet often or all the time because that would take the novelty and fun away!

It's more entertaining to go with friends so bring as many as you can. It doesn't matter if you lost a bit, you are in great company! Pity there was no Eddie Peng Yuyan unlike Longines in November as eye candy but you never know haha! 

The Singapore Airlines Cup 2015 was the first horse racing event I attended that started in the late afternoon and ended at night, which was a great excuse to wear a long gown. I took 3 hours to get ready and did my hair and makeup myself! It was a bit of a disaster initially because my hair curler ran out of battery mid-way and wouldn't switch on after. ANYWAY it's all good because it worked out in the end.

We were seated in the Marquee this time, which has a nice patio with an amazing view (and some people choose to smoke at lol). To get there, you'll take a shuttle bus near the taxi stand, feels like VIP service because you also get... 

The bread and butter pudding that I forgot to eat because my mains were that good :( Oh well at least I have a picture of it.

There are two betting stations in the Marquee, so the queue moves pretty fast! Imagine eating while watching the monitors to watch the horses for the next race, getting up, betting, going back to your seat for a bit, then getting up again to watch the actual race. Repeat at least x4 times lol. You'll lose track of how much you've already eaten!! 

Shot with the Casio TR60, the best selfie camera right now in the market, Don't you think the quality is amazing?? Your skin looks flawless in every shot, and this wasn't even taken in any special mode! Side note, I am loving my hair colour done by Yoshi at Nine by Sweet Basil. Totally trust Yoshi with my hair lol, I told him to pick a colour for me.

Apologies, I digressed!! After our filling buffet dinner, we went over to the grand stand area to catch the official opening ceremony and performances. There were women in flouncy dresses with many balls on them, people literally walking INSIDE Zorb-balls, (still have no idea how they breathe in them), and of course these cool pyro dudes on stilts. 

The sky became pretty smokey after that

To be honest, I wasn't really sure what was happening, but a bunch of pretty SIA girls were posing for photos with the jockeys in anticipation for the next race! Maybe they wanted the jockeys to size each other up or something.

Sure we may be table no 40 but we were right in front of the stage and the vip table!! :D

We were at the committee box this time, and the vibe there was more polished and refined, so we dressed up for the part.

With Daniel from Oneclickwonders, Dawn Yang, Hayley Woo and Hpility

The sky was threatening rain but we were very lucky to have escaped wrath!

The races that day were all named by the club to reflect their commitment to charities. Taught Hayley how to bet at the races, you win some, you lose some. Love the adrenaline though!!

Suave, good-looking, killer smile, perfectly positioned dimple, this guy's charisma is off the charts. All the ladies, young and old, were fawning over his 1.82m frame.

Eddie gave us a speech and sat down for a bit until...

Our president arrived!!

Hello Mr President. I want to visit the Istana one day.

The biggest race of the day, race 10 - had a S$1.35 million prize money, and of course, we wouldn't have missed that for the world! I bet 3 horses to place (come in first, second or third) and one of my horses came in FIRST!! Too bad I didn't bet win, or my winnings would've been much more!! 

(Source: here)

Gambling is addictive but it's important to know when to stop, and set a limit before you even start.

The lobby is magnificantly huge. On one end is the express lift to the rooftop, and the other, the check in counter! If you're wondering how to get here by public transport or how to navigate around, it's connected to Bayfront MRT station, which is on the circle line. Getting to orchard road for some shopping is about20 minutes from here!

The check-in counter staff were very polite :) Major plus!

The rooms feature an amazing view of Gardens by the Bay which I still think was inspired by Avatar.

The pillows were plushy, the beds had great support for my back and this was soo comfortable to lie on!! Air-conditioning was perfect for a snuggled night's rest.

The toilet was very spacious with a lovely bathtub, marble decor, truly luxurious! Two sinks so no fighting in the morning hahah.

Selfie in the toilet with my trusty Casio

Toilet bowl's on the other side so someone can use the toilet while someone else is bathing. For efficiency purposes? Lol.

Singapore is such a great place to live in, it's so safe, clean, granted more could be done to improve the arts scene but we're wayy more open and exposed to international influences than 5 years ago. At least we're constantly trying. Certain economies have just stagnated while we are always looking for new opportunities. 

Also, isn't meritocracy a good source of motivation? Albeit slightly unhealthy. Haha.

In the distance I could make out my office building and how far I've come since I've graduated from NTU. Being in the working world is no easy business! Though you don't have to study for exams, there's more pressure from expectations and enjoying your work environment. 

How adorable is this girl?!

Take photos of your proud cowbow moments! :)