Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
The regal Aishwarya Rai Bachchan graced last weekend’s Longines Singapore Gold Cup, an afternoon of high society and genteel racing that raked in a total of S$236,728 for kids in need.
The crown jewel event of local turf with a S$1.35 million prize purse, this domestic Group One race is one of the most prestigious races in the region. Alan Munro aboard Better Life was the first to dash past the finishing line, joining the realms of local racing legends immortalised by their triumphs in the high profile race. The Longines Saint-Imier Collection was also awarded to the winning jockey, Mr. Alan Munro, the horse-trainer, Mr. Takaoka and owner, Mrs. Kusumoto to recognize their merits.
Traditionally, the Singapore Gold Cup Day is designated as an annual Charity Race Day. Since Longines took on the title sponsorship in 2010, Longines has continued to dedicate this event towards charity, raising funds for Chaoyang School, one of the social service programmes supported by Community Chest.
A charity auction was held showcasing Mr. Ong Kim Seng’s painting, a timepiece from The Longines Saint-Imier Collection, a stunning hat donned by Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at Prix de Diane Longines in June 2011, as well as six art pieces done by the students of Chaoyang School to raise funds together with table sales and outright donations. The charity luncheon raised S$236,728.
Commenting on Longines’ role in the Longines Singapore Gold Cup, Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines’ Vice President & Head of International Marketing said, “As the Official Partner and Timekeeper of the Singapore Turf Club, Longines is proud to present the Longines Singapore Gold Cup for the third year. We are enthusiastic about the good synergy formed from this partnership and look forward to continuity.”
Jockey Alan Munro aboard Better Life crosses the finishing line to emerge champion at the Longines Singapore Gold Cup 2012
Longines Vice-President & Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli and Vice-President of Longines Singapore, Samuel Yong, present a timepiece from The Longines Saint-Imier Collection to owner of winning horse Better Life, Mrs. Kusumoto
Aishwarya Ria Bachchan posing for the photogs at the viewing gallery prior to the race
(L-R) Guest-of-Honour Chairman of Tote Board Singapore, Bobby Chin; Longines Vice- President & Head of International Marketing, Juan-Carlos Capelli; and Vice-President of Longines Singapore, Samuel Yong, present the Longines Singapore Gold Cup trophy to jockey, Alan Munro
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, snapped against the backdrop of the race course
Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, presents the Longines timepieces to the best dressed winners, Emily Hwang and Loong Seng Onn
Group photo with the winning team of Longines Singapore Gold Cup 2012