SINGAPORE - Since 2002, Emirates Singapore Derby Day has not been just about glitz and glamour. The occasion has also been used as a platform to do its part for the local community, through various innovative fund-raising initiatives.
This year, Emirates helped raise $68,000 for four voluntary welfare organisations under the umbrella of the Community Chest of Singapore, namely the HCA Hospice Care, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, Rainbow Centre, and the Asian Women's Welfare Association. Fundraising activities included the pre-sale of donation tables and outright donations.
"Since the 8th Emirates Singapore Derby, we have used the event as a platform to come together with our most valued customers and partners, and lend a helping hand to those in need," said Emirates' manager for Singapore and Brunei, Nick Rees on Sunday.
"We would like to extend our warmest appreciation to our supportive guests and donors who have made this possible."
About 350 guests attended Sunday's time-honoured classic on the Singapore horse racing calendar. The race was won by the Hideyui Takaoka-trained Better Life, who was ridden to perfection by the champion mare's regular jockey Alan Munro.
While the Emirates Singapore Derby may be well known for its thrilling on-track racing action, it has also come to epitomise timeless and elegant racing fashion in Singapore.
In true Derby fun and tradition, guests came stylishly and impeccably dressed, complemented with chic yet inimitable accessories to impress the judging panel for a chance to win the coveted title of "Best Dressed to the Races".
For the first time, Sunday's guests also cast their votes to determine the best dressed guest at the event.
Following much deliberation by the judges, and backed by the popular vote of the guests, Audrey Quek was declared the winner of the "Best Dressed to the Races" contest.
She won a free trip to Melbourne on Business Class on Emirates plus a stay at the five-star Crown Metropol Hotel and a fantastic day of racing at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.
Rees said that through the partnership with the Singapore Turf Club, Emirates is honoured to have played a role in raising the bar for horse racing in Singapore since 1994, as the title sponsor of the Emirates Singapore Derby.
"By giving horse racing fans the opportunity to watch some of Singapore's top horses in action on the tracks, alongside all the prestige and glamour, the Emirates Singapore Derby has made its mark as one of the most recognisable and anticipated events on the Singapore horse racing calendar," he said.
The STC's president and chief executive, Yu Pang Fey, said that its long standing partnership with Emirates has been extremely rewarding over the years, as this colourful event has gained much recognition and traction in the local racing and social scene.
He added: "Emirates Singapore Derby 2013 has concluded on a high note with resounding success. It drew much fanfare amongst the fashionistas and racing enthusiasts. We sincerely hope to continue this strategic partnership together for many years to come."