By Anne Das
Community Day at the Perak Turf Club (PTC) is a celebration of connection, renewal, and the evolving role of the club in Ipoh’s social fabric. It brings people together through racing, shared experiences, and the opportunity to see the turf club in a new light.
First introduced in 2024 as an annual event, Community Day was designed to welcome the public back into the space. Visitors are invited to explore the club freely, whether or not they follow the races. The atmosphere is open and inclusive, allowing for a different kind of engagement with one of Ipoh’s oldest institutions.
This year’s edition, held on Sunday, May 11, carried that spirit forward. With free public admission, a ten-race programme, and strong interest from both long-time followers and newcomers, the event drew more than 1,000 people to the grounds. Many came to enjoy the ambiance and reconnect with a place that holds decades of local history.
The highlight of the afternoon was the running of the Community Shield Race. With RM100,000 in prize money, the feature race brought real excitement to the track. Horse No. 7, Faithful Leader, trained by Richard Lim and ridden by S. Saddam, secured a well-deserved win for Hwa Yi No. 4 Stable.
Guest of Honour, Puan Sri Dato’ Sandra Lee, presented the trophy following Race 5 in a formal prize-giving ceremony.
Upstairs, at the Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Lounge, around 80 invited guests gathered for a more intimate race-day experience. The guest list included business owners, heads of organisations, and familiar names from Ipoh’s social circuit.
Conversations flowed over ice-cold beverages on a warm afternoon, with guests enjoying each other’s company against the backdrop of live racing and scenic views.
In his welcome remarks, PTC Chairman, Dato’ John Lim, shared the club’s long-term vision.
“We want the Turf Club to feel like it belongs to the community again. Yes, racing is at the heart of it, but we are also creating a space where people can gather, enjoy good food, relax, and reconnect. This is just the beginning.”
This vision is already taking shape. The opening of Sin Yoon Loong @ PTC, plans for the Ipoh Stables Market, new sports facilities, and non-racing memberships are all steps aimed at making the space more accessible to a wider group of people.
Feedback on the ground reflected strong support. Dato’ Dr. Ramanathan Ramiah, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Ipoh, said, “There is genuine energy here again. It feels like the club is beginning to reconnect with the city.”
Nicole Chong, Operations Manager at Mitavite Asia, noted, “It is encouraging to see people enjoying the Turf Club without needing to be part of the betting crowd. A shift is happening, and it is refreshing.”
One guest Sharon Oh, attending the races for the first time, shared, “I have never been to the races here in Ipoh before. I did not know what to expect, but it was actually super fun. The atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I would definitely come again.”
While the skies threatened to rain during the main event, the weather held. A steady breeze and soft light carried the event through to the final race, with many guests choosing to stay right until the end.
From conversations in the lounge to the crowd cheering trackside, Community Day 2025 showcased the vibrant atmosphere taking shape at the Perak Turf Club. The renewed energy is drawing people back, positioning the club as a destination for racing, gatherings, and community events.
The Perak Turf Club welcomes private events and functions. Businesses interested in sponsoring cup races or collaborating on future events are encouraged to reach out.
For enquiries, please visit please visit: www.perakturfclub.my or call +605-254 8081
