The Deputy Primer of New Zealand, Right Honourable Winston Peters, who was in Malaysia on a four days official visit from Thursday, 6th June to Sunday, 9th June 2024, visited the Selangor Turf Club on Saturday, 8th June 2024.
The Deputy Prime Minster is also the Minster of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Racing of New Zealand. He visited the Club in his capacity as the Minister for Racing to learn more about the racing industry in Malaysia and to promote New Zealand as a producer of bloodstock.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minster toured the stables of New Zealand trainer Simon Dunderdale. He was introduced to some of the top New Zealand bred at Simon’s yard. Among them are winner of 2023 Selangor Gold Cup, Pasir Pinji, winner of 2023 Sports Toto Supreme Challenge Cup, Good Fight and Antipodean, who recorded 5 wins in his 5 starts.
The Club hosted a luncheon with the Deputy Prime Minister and among those present were the New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei, Her Excellency Pam Dunn, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Malaysia and Thailand, Ms Suzy Fewtrell, Board Member of Malaysia Totalisator Board, Mr Thean Ming Fatt, CEO of Malaysia Totalisator Board, Puan Nor Hashimah, Club Committee Members, Horse Owners, Trainers and Club officials.
Chairman of Selangor Turf Club who is also the Chairman of Malaysia Totalisator Board, Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim in his welcoming remarks said that the visit is an undeniable indication of the New Zealand government commitment and faith in the potential and benefits which may accrue to the betterment of the horse racing industry in both jurisdictions.
He stressed that the alliance with New Zealand could spur racing at Selangor Turf Club and Malaysia into greater heights in this region which in return would benefit the industry worldwide.
The visit has provided the Deputy Prime Minister with an awareness of the importance of racing at the Selangor Turf Club with the closing of Singapore Turf Club in October 2024. The Deputy Prime Minister in his speech assured that New Zealand with its rich heritage and culture in horse racing would be able to work closer together with the Club for the betterment of the industry in both jurisdictions.
