Latest news with #PerakTurfClub
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
A historic goodbye: PTC bids farewell after more than 160 years
GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of spectators flocked to the Penang Turf Club (PTC) in Batu Gantung here today for an emotionally charged final race — marking the end of an era for Malaysian equestrian sport as the country's oldest racing venue closes. While the size of the crowd was typical of a race day at the storied track, the atmosphere was anything but ordinary. At the entrance, patrons were greeted by a large banner which read, "Thank you, loyal patrons" — a poignant farewell to generations of supporters. Many came dressed to the nines, adding a touch of glamour to their final visit to the more than 160-year-old turf club. Smartphones were held aloft throughout the day as visitors captured photos and videos, eager to preserve their last memories of a venue steeped in history. Established in 1864, the Penang Turf Club officially concluded its operations following a unanimous vote to dissolve what was long considered one of the state's most cherished institutions. To commemorate the occasion, seven special races were held. Among the highlights were the RM250,000 PTC Farewell Trophy (1,300m), the RM150,000 PTC Memorial Trophy (1,100m), and the RM100,000 Jockey Club of Turkey Trophy (1,400m). Each race was met with loud cheers and applause, as loyal fans rooted for their favourites one final time. With the closure of the PTC, only two turf clubs remain in Malaysia: the Perak Turf Club, established in 1886, and the Selangor Turf Club, founded in 1896. Today, the PTC bid farewell not just to its patrons, but to a proud legacy that has galloped through generations.
New Paper
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Selvan's team toss in serious gallops
On the morning of May 28, Nick Selvan was a busy man trackside - and why not? The trainer, who is currently sitting second on the premiership table has entered a strong team of 13 for the upcoming Kuala Lumpur races on June 1 and, like his crew, he was up bright and early to watch the bulk of his gallopers being put through their paces. Names like Prince Lonhro, Uptown Girl and Delilah are some of the horses who could spearhead his assault on the races coming up. Next in line, God's Gift, Big Bad Mama and Single Warrior are the ones to keep a watchful eye on. Taking it from the top, the work put in by Prince Lonhro was the most impressive. The son of Lonhro did not break any speed records but he did the 600m in a nice time of 40.2sec. If anything, it would have told Selvan and track-watchers that he was holding the form which saw him record the second of his two wins at his last start on May 11. Granted, that was over the Perak Turf Club's 1,300m. But we know from his race records that he is very much at home at Sungai Besi. In 10 starts at Kranji when prepared by Donna Logan, a second place was his best showing. At his fifth Malaysian outing, at Sungai Besi on Feb 16, he did not give his rivals a whiff of his withers. He romped in by 5¾ lengths. Prince Lonhro may not yet be "royalty" in racing circles, but he is still a five-year-old and, quite definitely a work in progress. One that is getting on in years but is not yet ready to lie down is Uptown Girl. An eight-year-old mare, she worked well, running the 600m in 41sec after some serious cantering on the yielding track. The New Zealand-bred by Shamoline Warrior came close to putting together a seventh victory on May 17. Alas, it was not to be. Even though there was no economy in effort, she found one to beat in rank outsider Roger Roger, who charged home to win that 1,300m contest for Class 5A gallopers at Sungai Besi by 1¼ lengths. That day, her connections would have screamed themselves hoarse as, at the 100m mark, their lady looked like she was going to bring it home. Uptown Girl goes over the shorter 1,020m on June 1. The jump-and-run races may not be her forte as five of her six wins have been in races over 1,200m and longer. But, in her defence, we saw her sprint hard on April 5 when she beat Diamond Ring by 1½ lengths in a race over the short and sharp 1,150m. So, keep her on your shortlist and watch for her when she lines up in Race 11 on June 1. Her trackwork does suggest that she has the form to turn in a good showing. Then there was Delilah. She would have warmed Selvan's heart when she turned in a good gallop, running the 60m in 39.8sec. Until racing shut down in Singapore on Oct 5, 2024, Delilah was under the care of trainer Leslie Khoo who saddled her to three victories. That last win was in a 1,000m race at Kranji on Aug 25. To date, she has had four starts for Selvan and the last two were over the 1,300m. Selvan has picked a 1,020m race for Delilah and, if she can bring her training form to the races, she could be something else. Among his remaining three horses, Big Bad Mama clocked the fastest time in 38.4sec, while Single Warrior and God's Gift did the 600m in 41.6sec and 42sec respectively. Admittedly, at eight years of age, Big Bad Mama is getting long in the tooth, but Selvan has been meticulous in getting the mare ready for her next assignment. Indeed, it was as recent as May 20 that he sent her to the trials where she acquitted herself well, running second to Joey. Selvan has entered her for Race 8. It is the Metro A sprint over the flying 1,020m. The daughter of former Singapore 3YO Triple Crown champion Gingerbread Man will be in her element and, if she manages to overcome her outermost alley in 10, do what she does best in her races - which is to run like the hounds of hell are after her - she might just give her rivals something to chase. brian@
New Paper
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Storm Titan blows them away in trials
With 12 wins for the season, Richard Lim's takings so far have been modest. But, he does have some good ones in the yard. One of them has yet to face the starter, Storm Titan. Right now, he is shaping up as a three-year-old with absolute potential. The faithful who usually take in the gallops and the morning trials at Sungai Besi will know him. After all, he has been to the trials twice and, like that first one on May 14, this latest one on May 27 was a treat to watch. Here is how it all unfolded. As the runners took their spots in the gates, Storm Titan was, like a bantam rooster - all strut and style. Fitted with pacifiers and jumping from the innermost chute, he was quickly into his stride. Prominent in his red headgear, he led the way with Born To Win (Khairil Zulkiflee) and Wan Legacy in close attendance. Taking the shortest route home, he led them by three lengths at the top of the stretch and looked to have done enough until Captain Pegasus (Fikri Ismail) threw out a challenge at the furlong mark. The four-time winner got close but Storm Titan had enough in the tank to wrap it up by half-a-length. Bingo Master slotted in third. Storm Titan clocked a decent time of 1min 0.82sec. It was a repeat of that first trial on May 14 when Storm Titan jumped cleanly and took the lead after just 300m. The three-year-old stayed there, not allowing any of his rivals to get close to him. He eventually coasted in a two-length winner and he did the trip in 1min 1.64sec. That day, like on the morning of May 27, Lim elected to allow apprentice Uzair Sharudin do the piloting and, by the looks of things, the youngster will be doing everything in his power to retain that seat when Storm Titan does make his raceday debut. Yes, Lim has got a really good one in the barn. A New Zealand-bred by Ace High, Storm Titan has the makings of an honest brawler. Sure, he is competitive. Then again, so are most - if not all - thoroughbreds in this business. But, the thing about Storm Titan is the fact that he does not like to lose. We saw it in this latest trial when Captain Pegasus tossed in a challenge. Storm Titan took the bit between his teeth and, in that last throw of the dice, he had more desire than Captain Pegasus and the rest of the beaten brigade. That said, Captain Pegasus was hardly disgraced. To have run second at Sungai Besi was, in itself an achievement as all of Captain Pegasus' four career wins were on the track at the Perak Turf Club and when the Shamexpress seven-year-old was under the care of trainer Kevin Coetzee. Now with Siva Kumar, he has yet to appear for him at the races. And yes, it has been a long time between drinks for the connections as Captain Pegasus' last win was on April 7, 2024. However, and on the strength of his run at the trials, he deserves some thought when Siva does send him into the mix. Earlier in the opening trial of the morning, the Winson Cheng Han Yong-trained Thousand Mile Eye seemed content to stay third for most of the early part of the 1,000m trip as Pacific Empire (Clyde Leck) and Shinjuku (Laercio de Souza) traded blows up front. Just when it looked like he was going to settle for a "minor placing", his rider Haikal Hanif asked him for an effort and Thousand Mile Eye responded. Stepping on the gas at the furlong mark, he caught the leaders by surprise and his turn of foot swept him to the front. To his credit, Shinjuku refused to give up the fight and he rallied. But the momentum was with Thousand Mile Eye and he went on to take the trial by a short head, clocking 1min 0.41sec for the sharp sprint. A two-time winner from 17 starts, his last win was on July 21. But his last three runs have been commendable and he could be worth a punt at his next start. brian@
New Paper
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
King Ravana brings up first career win for Khor in Ipoh
IPOH - Khor Peng Hwa was thrilled to be welcoming his first winner at his third meeting as a full-fledged trainer, when King Ravana took out the opener in Ipoh on May 24. Previously known as Gold Rush when trained by Tan Kah Soon in Singapore, King Ravana ran seventh over 1,400m in his first run for the new Malaysian handler in Ipoh on May 11. He then ground out a tough win in the the RM20,000 (S$6,000) Class 5A event (1,600m) second-up. The $27 shot led in the straight under Saddam Saari. But at the 200m, A Better Tomorrow (Harmeet Singh Gill), on his outside, and Circuit Star (Lim Shung Uai), on his inside, drew level with him. King Ravana fought back with every stride to score by ¾ length from A Better Tomorrow eventually. Circuit Star finished third. Before the Ipoh-born Khor - more popularly known as Ah Lek - received his trainer's licence in April 2025, he was an assistant trainer to the late Dutch-Malaysian trainer Evert van Breukelen, and more recently, Peter Lee. The 60-year-old had tasted success regularly while working under his former bosses, but this time, he won it in his own right. Khor did not dream of working in the racing industry, even if he was born into racing, figuratively. "My father, Khor Sun Yam, was a gardener with the Perak Turf Club, and my family stayed in the staff quarters on the racecourse grounds," he said. "I played with horses in the stables as a kid, but I never thought I would be in racing." Khor studied up to Form Six, but had no idea what to do for his first job. It was then when he recalled enjoying the company of the horses and the excitement of seeing the equine athletes in action. He started out as a syce with trainer Mohd Zafir when he was 20 years old. After working under Loh Kit Soon and Johnny Kok, he joined van Breukelen as a stable supervisor. Khor was also granted his B trainer's licence while with van Breukelen, but when his mentor passed away, he joined Lee for four years. King Ravana's victory did not come easy, but Khor praised the Jimmy Choux eight-year-old for his sheer grit in races. "I am elated to finally saddle my first winner. I want to thank the Perak Turf Club for giving me the licence," said Khor, who is single. "Last time, the 1,400m was a bit too short for him. The 1,600m and 1,800m should be his best trips. "I was not so worried even if he looked a bit one-paced (in the last 200m), because he has a big heart and would always find that extra gear. The last time he won (on March 3, under Lee), he fought back to beat his then-stablemate (Char Kway Teow) by a nose. "He should be up in Class 4 next, which is tougher. We'll see what is available on the programme." Unplaced in 12 starts at Kranji, King Ravana broke through immediately in Malaysia in 2022. He had four consecutive wins for Leong Poh Keong, before picking up two more in 2023 and 2024 when under Lee's care. TURFONLINE
Malay Mail
10-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Perak Turf Club's bold RM6m makeover aims to revive its glory days for a new generation
Facing dwindling popularity and revenue in horse racing, the Perak Turf Club is ambitiously transforming its grounds into a vibrant lifestyle and recreational hub for the community and This 'More Than Racing' initiative includes adding diverse facilities like a Sin Yoon Loong outlet, sports courts, a restaurant, and repurposed stables, aiming to attract a younger, broader By investing RM6 million in upgrades and introducing non-racing memberships, the club hopes to revive its heritage, create new revenue streams, and reposition itself as an inclusive destination beyond just betting. IPOH, May 11 — As horse racing continues to face dwindling popularity across the country, the Perak Turf Club (PTC) is undergoing a remarkable transformation. No longer just a venue for weekend betting, PTC is reimagining its vast grounds into a vibrant lifestyle and recreational hub with the aim of serving the community, attract families, and revive the heritage of horse racing with a modern twist. PTC chairman Datuk John Lim said the racecourse was once the crown jewel of Ipoh, drawing thousands from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and even Singapore for regional horse racing. 'In the good old days, horses from all over Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore would come here to race. 'Hotels were fully booked. Restaurants were packed. We would have around 7,000 people on course. Today, that number has dropped to just 700,' he told Malay Mail. Several factors have contributed to this decline. Lim said modern technology has made it possible to watch races remotely, and betting can now be done through apps and phone calls. 'Illegal gambling syndicates have also siphoned off legitimate revenue. 'You buy a ticket here for RM5, but illegal bookies sell it for RM4, it's hard to compete with that,' he explained. An undated photograph shows racehorses and their jockeys at the Perak Turf Club in Ipoh. — Picture courtesy of Perak Turf Club. Faced with the reality of a declining sport, Lim said he saw an opportunity in the underutilised vast space of the racecourse when he took over the chairman post. 'The club operates only on the weekends during Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It's likely about operating only for 100 days a year. 'The rest of the time, this vast area remains idle. That's a huge waste of potential,' he said. Lim said that the vision now is to transform the Perak Turf Club into a multi-purpose lifestyle destination while preserving its roots in horse racing. 'We believe racing can still thrive. Unlike Penang, which is looking to close down, we're investing in improving the quality of our races. 'But more importantly, we want to open our doors to the community,' he said. Despite the challenges facing Malaysia's racing industry — where turnover for the three major turf clubs dropped from RM1 billion to RM300 million, and clubs' commissions have dwindled from RM100 million to just RM30 million, Lim said PTC remains optimistic. Perak Turf Club chairman Datuk John Lim speaks to Malay Mail in Ipoh, Perak on May 7, 2025. — Picture by John Bunyan. 'We've got member support, we've gone through the annual general meetings and the vision is clear. 'We're not just reviving horse racing — we're redefining what the Turf Club means to this city,' he said. Rebranding under the new slogan 'Perak Turf Club – More Than Racing', Lim said the club is rolling out a series of developments. 'Among the first additions is the iconic Sin Yoon Loong white coffee outlet, which has already attracted many visitors who are looking for a good coffee time with their friends. 'Soon, new facilities will follow, which include a swimming pool, gym, tennis and badminton courts, and even a pickleball area,' he said. To enhance the dining and entertainment experience, Lim said they will also build a restaurant and sports bar to attract the younger demographics. He also added that a banquet hall for weddings and private events is also in the works. He added that unused stables will be thoughtfully repurposed into rustic retail outlets, preserving their heritage charm while giving them a new lease of life. A general view of the Perak Turf Club in Ipoh, Perak, on May 7, 2025. — Picture by John Bunyan Lim explained that the ultimate goal is to evolve PTC into a country club-style destination open to both members and the public. 'In doing so, the club hopes to soften its image and reposition horse racing as part of a broader lifestyle and leisure experience and not merely gambling,' he said. Recognising the need for inclusivity, Lim said PTC plans to offer non-racing memberships — affordable options for those who want access to sports and leisure facilities without voting rights or racing privileges. 'Most of our current members are elderly. Introducing non-racing memberships will help us engage younger families and a more diverse community, regardless of religion or background,' he said. The transformation, which began earlier this year, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The club has committed approximately RM6 million to upgrades, including an additional RM2 million for the redevelopment of the Ipoh Stable Market. The new facilities are expected to be integrated into the existing colonial-era architecture, preserving the legacy of the club while bringing it into the future. Former horse stables in Perak Turf Club will be converted into retail units. — Picture courtesy by Perak Ipoh Stable Market A green element has also been added: the racecourse and tower will be illuminated using solar power, making the grounds more appealing — and sustainable — for night-time activities. 'Economically, this transformation is good for Ipoh. We'll create new jobs and attract local and international tourists,' said Lim. Lim said that an equestrian centre is also in the pipeline, offering pony rides for children and horse experiences for the public. As a first step toward opening its doors to the public, Lim said the PTC will host a special Community Day, during which, for the first time ever, all admission fees to the races will be waived. 'There are so many people who have never stepped foot into the Turf Club, never seen a live horse race. We want them to come — not for betting, but to feel the thrill, the atmosphere and the tradition,' he said. 'To enhance the experience, additional canopies will be installed to allow spectators to get closer to the track,' he added. Recommended reading: From racehorses to retail: Perak Turf Club's stables get second life as Asia's first 'stable market'
