Top Singapore-based horseman Cliff Brown has joined the exodus of trainers and jockeys returning to Australia from the Asian racing centre.
Following in the footsteps of Lee Freedman, who recently confirmed he was relocating to the Gold Coast, Brown has this week announced he will return to Australia.
In the past year, several Australian jockeys based in Singapore including Michael Rodd, Pat Moloney, Ben Thompson and Daniel Moor have also headed back home.
Brown left for Singapore 13 years ago having enjoyed a successful career in Australia with the likes of Cheviot, Markham and Tarnpir Lane.
While he was in Singapore he established himself as one of their leading trainers and put the polish on several Group One winners.
Brown plans to return to Victoria in March and start training again at May at a location yet to be determined.
Brown intends to bring some of his key staff members and Singapore horses with him, including his star galloper Inferno.
Inferno has had nine starts for eights wins including a pair of Group One victories at his past two starts in the Singapore Guineas and the Lion City Cup.
He finished second at his only other start.
Brown said he was returning home due to COVID-19 and a recent spate of reforms from the Singapore Turf Club as a consequence of the pandemic.
He felt the changes meant his business model in Singapore could no longer work with reduced meetings and prize money on offer.
Brown has a house at the picturesque seaside resort of Queencliff near Geelong.
