The Selangor Turf Club (SLTC) is proud to conclude a truly transformative racing season, marking 2025 as a phase of unprecedented investment in the Malaysian horse racing industry, community engagement and infrastructure modernization.

Throughout this year, SLTC has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to elevating the sport’s profile, enhancing the race day experience for patrons and securing a sustainable future for local racing – creating significant milestones for the Club.

The Club hosted a total of 55 on-course race days in 2025. The prestigious Triple Crown Series showcased thrilling performances across its three classic races. The Equine Sanctuary Tunku Gold Cup and the Hygain Horse City Selangor Gold Cup were held in March and September respectively.

Meanwhile, the blue ribbon event for the top stayers in the country, the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor was held on 7 December. His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor graced the race day with his presence and presented the prizes to the winning connections.

Elevation of Racing Excellence: The RM1 Million Selangor Mile

The highlight of the 2025 racing calendar was the announcement and the successful running of the RM1 Million Selangor Mile in July. This significant increase in prize money solidifies the Selangor Mile race status as a premium feature event in Southeast Asia, attracting the region’s best horses and at the same time serving as a powerful stimulus for owners and trainers. This commitment to offer higher prize money is the core part of the SLTC’s strategy to inject vitality and international competitiveness into the sport.

Huge Boost: Increase in Prize Money

One major step forward taken by SLTC was the significant increase in prize money for the 2025 racing season, which is set to be the largest in recent years. The total prize pool has been boosted to RM31 million, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting owners, trainers, and jockeys.

Achievement of SLTC Apprentice Jockey School

The apprentice jockey school’s holistic training aims at producing the next generation of professional riders. The SLTC Apprentice Jockeys School, headed by Deputy Chairman Mr Clement Chew, is proud to witness our 2 newly-licensed apprentice jockeys enjoying dream debuts when Apprentice Jockey Farhan Ghazali and Apprentice Jockey Zulhilmi Marzuki won on their first ride on 14 September 2025 and 20 December 2025 respectively.

Lifestyle: Modernising the Race Day Experience and Upgrading of Facilities

In line with SLTC’s mission to provide a world-class environment for all, SLTC is actively working on various initiatives to broaden its appeal and attract a diverse audience and to date has completed major infrastructure upgrades, which are :-

New LED Display Board:

The installation of a state-of-the-art LED display board has dramatically enhanced the race viewing experience and acts as a central hub for information. The new board delivers vibrant, high-definition race footage, live statistics and engaging content, ensuring every moment of the action is captured and displayed with unparalleled clarity.

The upgrade of Owners Lounge:

Promoting a new lifestyle at the races, offering an elevated experience for owners and guests. The modern, well-designed lounge offers a more luxurious and comfortable setting for guests, ensuring a memorable and professional environment for race day.

Returfing of Main Track:

Represents a considerable commitment to improve safety and performance for both horses and jockeys. The re-turfed track significantly improved track safety, reduced leg stress on horses and offered a more consistent racing experience to the riders. 

Modernization of Wagering Operations:

The Club has replaced the pari-mutuel system with the advanced Quantum™ tote engine. The adoption of this new wagering system significantly enhanced technological capabilities, enabling the Club to reach more overseas partners and tap into a global marketplace through international pari-mutuel pool commingling. This strategic upgrade has expanded Club’s global presence and strengthened its standing among the international racing community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we enter the new racing season and the Year of the Horse approaches, bringing fresh energy and optimism, the Club remains committed to elevating and transforming the horse racing experience at every race meeting. The investments and initiatives planned for next year lay a strong foundation for an even more exciting and prosperous 2026.

 More Races, More Wins!

SLTC is scheduled to conduct 61 race meetings in 2026 (8 days more than the initial 53 days scheduled in 2025), with an increased total prize money to RM36 million (RM31 million in 2025)  to be won. This will provide more winning opportunities and better ROI to all stakeholders.

Notably, approximately RM4 million has been allocated specifically to a series of 18 Black Type races (3 races more compared to 2025), offering lucrative rewards and helping to elevate the standard and competitiveness of Malaysian horse racing. This substantial increase not only provides greater incentives for participation but also demonstrates confidence in the future of the sport.

The annual running of the Singapore Pools Pte Ltd (SPPL) Trophy has been elevated to black type status, now offering RM100,000 in prize money. SLTC’s first race in the new season will be held on Saturday, 3 January 2026, featuring its first black type race, the Bunga Raya Vase with a purse of RM80, 000.

Prize Money of the following races will be revised upward:

Securing the Future: The Community Horse Project (CHP)

In a strategic move to ensure long-term healthy growth of horse population, SLTC proudly launched the Community Horse Project (CHP). This ground-breaking initiative, undertaken in collaboration with industry partners, is designed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for horse ownership that is accessible, rewarding and affordable.

The CHP focuses on sourcing young quality horses from top international auction houses and introducing new, entry-level ownership opportunities to bolster the stability of the racing field in Malaysia. The CHP is expected to play an increasingly important role in owners and trainers sourcing new stock to race.

A Trial Assessment of Sand Track

An assessment will be carried out on the surface of the Sand Track aimed to minimise sand kickback, enhance cushioning for galloping horses and improve the overall stability of the track. Should the assessment prove successful, SLTC will contemplate converting the existing turf track Number 2 to fibre sand for both training and racing purposes. With the implementation of a fibre sand track, night racing at the Club could become a reality in the medium term.

Go Green with Solar Energy

SLTC has taken important steps toward sustainability by initiating the use of solar power across its facilities. The installation of solar panels will significantly reduce the club’s carbon footprint and operational costs, reflecting SLTC’s responsibility towards environmentally friendly practice while aligning its development with global trends toward greener and more sustainable sporting operations.

Multi-Sports Complex: Expanding Community Facilities

SLTC is committed to being more than just a racecourse; it is a community hub. To foster greater engagement and offer diverse recreational options, the Club would introduce a new sports complex complete with food & beverage facilities. This addition provides a modern, high-energy activity for members and the local community, promoting health and wellness alongside the traditional excitement of racing.

Enhanced Biosecurity Protocols

As SLTC set sight for international cross border racing with horses to participate in International Group races, the Club will be implementing enhanced biosecurity protocols effective immediately for movement of horses. These measures are aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of all horses, preventing the spread of diseases, and ensuring the continuity of racing and equestrian activities at Club facility.

Youth Owners Club

In the pipeline to attract young horse owners into the industry, SLTC aims at forming a special Club for young horse owners. The Club would be a platform to attract and introduce the equine industry to the younger generation and create an interest and awareness of the many opportunities which the industry has to offer. For many, sports is a recreational activity, for the chosen few, it can be a career which can be rewarding as the industry also provides many business opportunities.

Aftercare of Racehorses

In a significant step towards formalizing the commitment for the after care of racehorses, SLTC is proud to announce a collaborative partnership with Horse City Sdn Bhd and Highland Equine Retreat. This initiative is focused on establishing a structured and compassionate framework for the aftercare and retraining of the retired thoroughbred horses. This program will provide them with the opportunity to transition to second careers in equestrian sports, leisure riding, or a peaceful retirement.

This partnership reflects our core belief that responsible stewardship is integral to the future health and sustainability of horse racing in Malaysia. We are committed to ensuring that every horse that graces our track receives the respect and care it deserves, both on and off the course.

“2025 has been a pivotal year for the Selangor Turf Club, from the prestige of the RM1 Million Selangor Mile to the launch of our sustainable Community Horse Project and the modernization of our facilities. Every step taken has been aimed at enriching our sport and securing its vibrant future for generations to come”. I would like to thank everyone, especially the horse owners, for your continued support and together we look forward to another successful racing season in 2026”, said Chairman of Selangor Turf Club, Tan Sri Datuk Sir Richard Cham Hak Lim.