GEORGETOWN: Penang Turf Club, Malaysia’s oldest horse racing institution, will officially close after hosting its final race meeting on 31 May 2025, marking the end of a 161-year legacy. The closure aims to reduce ongoing financial losses and follows a regional trend of waning interest in horse racing.
Established in 1864, the Penang Turf Club occupies over 81 hectares of prime land in Batu Gantung. Currently, the club maintains just two trainers and eight horses, according to local media outlet The Star.
At a second special general meeting held on 20 April, 318 out of 320 ordinary members voted in favour of dissolving the club, with two votes reportedly spoiled. A previous resolution to dissolve the club was first passed on 10 June 2024.
General manager and secretary Leow Khin Ming confirmed that the dissolution process is expected to take between one and two years. “The club shall be notifying all relevant parties and authorities that it intends to cease racing activities on a date to be decided by the club committee,” Leow said, as quoted by the New Straits Times.
The club’s closure mirrors similar developments across Asia. Singapore’s Turf Club, established in 1842, held its final race in October 2024, while the Macau Jockey Club ceased operations in April last year.
With Penang Turf Club’s exit, Malaysia will be left with only two turf clubs: the Perak Turf Club (established in 1886) and the Selangor Turf Club (founded in 1896).
In preparation for closure, Penang Turf Club has begun terminating contracts with suppliers and service providers. The club’s 150 employees will be offered a voluntary separation scheme or phased retrenchment packages.
