Malaysian Horse Racing: A History of the Sport

Written by:
B.E.Delmer
Published on:
Oct/31/2022

The history of horse racing in Malaysia is largely influenced by Australian racing. The country's interest in racing was first evident in the 1880s, when organizers began setting up large race meetings twice a year. In 1896, the Straits Racing Association and Penang Turf Club were established. As a result, horse racing in Malaysia has a rich history. 

In the past, horse betting used to be done at horse racing venues, but these days, you can easily bet on horse racing in Malaysia via trusted online casino Malaysia websites such as 3win2u Malaysia. The convenience of betting on these online casinos further contribute to the interest of Malaysians towards horse racing as a sport. 

Selangor Turf Club 

The Selangor Turf Club is home to a variety of horse racing events including a weekly televised race and two special events - the Miner's Purse and Tunku Gold Cup. Both races feature prize money of up to one thousand Straits. In the early 1900s, the Selangor Turf Club was established. At that time, the membership of the club numbered 300, and members paid subscriptions of $15 each. During the First World War, racing was halted for a while, but the club held special fund raising events to keep the track running. The following year, the club introduced the Selangor Gold Cup, a forerunner of the Tunku Gold Cup. 

The Selangor Turf Club is located outside Kuala Lumpur in Serdang. To get there, take the Besraya toll road, then take exit 904 on Jalan Kuda Emas. Alternatively, take the PLUS or Sungai Besi toll road, which empties into the Bukit Jalil Highway. From there, take the Sungai Besi LRT station to reach the Selangor Turf Club, located on the Sri Petaling Line. 

The main racing track is 25 metres wide and is suitable for short and long horse races. This left-handed oval track is covered with Zoysia El-Toro turf, which is a special grass that has been specially created for horse racing. It also has a layer of gravel on the bottom for better drainage. 

The horse racing scene in Malaysia began in the 1800s, when British traders first introduced the sport to the country. Such a betting game was popular among locals and became embedded in the country's culture. The first racing event was held in 1842 by William Henry Macleod Read. It was an amateur race event. After that, the Straits Racing Association was formed. In 1896, the Straits Racing Association was formed. 

Perak Turf Club 

The Perak Turf Club horse racing club was established in 1886. It is the first club of its kind in Perak. It was the vision of Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham, the first Resident General of the Federal Malay States (1889-96) and a horse lover. 

The Perak Turf Club is a major Thoroughbred horse racing club in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. The club opened its doors in 1884 and is currently one of the most prestigious turf clubs in Malaysia. It is considered to be the cradle of horse racing in Malaya. 

Penang Turf Club 

Another popular horse racing venue in Malaysia is the Penang Turf Club, founded in 1864. This club is renowned for its historic racecourse and other activities. In addition to horse racing, the Penang Turf Club has a golf course and other facilities for visitors. Visiting the club is a great way to experience Malaysian horse racing history and culture. 

The Penang Turf Club is one of the horse racing venues in Malaysia. It is located in the state of Penang on the island of Pulau Pinang. The club is the oldest horse racing club in Malaysia. It is also one of the oldest turf clubs in the world. The club hosts a number of races throughout the year, including the Penang Gold Cup, which is one of the most prestigious races in Malaysia.  

Conclusion 

Malaysian horse racing is a vibrant culture and an exciting pastime. It was first introduced in the 1800s by British traders and quickly became popular. Since then, it has become part of Malaysian culture and has been incorporated into the national culture. The first race held in Malaysia was organised by William Henry Macleod Read, who was a British diplomat. During the 19th century, he helped develop Malaysia's horse racing culture by establishing the Penang Turf Club and the Straits Racing Association. 

- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com

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