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SINGAPORE : Mention the Singapore Turf Club and many would think of gamblers trooping down to Kranji hoping to make a quick buck. But Max Loong, host of “Sport of Kings”, a three-part documentary series on Singapore’s history of horse racing, will have you know that the sport is more than just gambling.
"'Sport of Kings' is a highly interesting new Channel 5 show about Singapore's history of horse racing, all the glitz and glamour, and what it takes to be a jockey, a trainer or a horse owner. And, of course, also how it is to be a world class racing horse," said Loong.
Not only will the Kosmic Film Entertainment artiste clear up all misconceptions of horse racing, he will also dish out interesting facts on the Singapore Turf Club.
Horse racing in Singapore has had a long and illustrious history. It began in 1842 with the formation of the Singapore Sporting Club by a group of racing enthusiasts and was previously restricted to royalty as well as the rich and business class. It was only in 1960 that the public was allowed to enter the race course and witness the sport - provided they adhered to the dress code.
Today, world-class standard horse races such as the annual Singapore Airlines International Cup and the Emirates Singapore Derby are being run in the Singapore Turf Club.
“I didn’t know that much about horse racing since I never followed the sport nor been to an actual race. But for my first shoot we covered the SIA and Krisflyer Cup. It was an exciting atmosphere with lots of excitement, fun and drama,” said the 28-year-old who rode a horse (on a leash, no less) for the very first time while shooting the programme.
But that was not his most unforgettable experience.
“We were on the way to Kranji to film and my stomach really started to hurt. I mean, REALLY started to hurt. It turned out to be an infected appendix. A few hours later, I was hospitalised and I had my appendix removed,” he recalled.
But a few days later, the host was back in front of the camera, on the hunt for the girl with the elusive “S-Factor” - one who is smart, sensual, sweet, seductive, sexy, or “whatever you want it to stand for” - for a hot, new reality programme.
Titled “S-Factor”, this series which airs late January on Channel 5, will see 12 ladies vie for the coveted title, as well as a cash prize of S$10,000. Each week, contestants will battle it out through a series of challenges from sports to schoolwork, to become the girl with the ultimate S-Factor.
“‘S-Factor’ is all about the modern, confident and driven women of today - that perfect woman all guys dream of... (it is) highly entertaining and let me tell you... a true reality show with all its catfights and drama,” said Loong.
While the former MTV VJ finds reality programmes entertaining, he says he is too “shy” to participate in one, “I enjoy watching well-made reality programmes once in a while. I would never participate in one though... would be too shy to spill out all my private emotions in front of national TV. I am glad though that some people do. It makes our world more colourful.”
What about singing game show “Don’t Forget The Lyrics”?
“I love music! Music is truly a huge part of my life and if singing in the shower would be a competition, I would win it easily. Jokes aside, I actually do know quite a few lyrics so I think ‘Don’t Forget The Lyrics’ would be a great challenge for me!” he said.
Producers, you know who to call for the celebrity edition of “Don’t Forget The Lyrics”.
Catch "Sport of Kings" on Tuesdays, 9.00pm, on MediaCorp’s Channel 5.
- CNA/il
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