By Anne Das
Photos by PTC
Perak Turf Club’s annual Charity Day on September 20 honoured its longest-serving Chairman, the late Tan Sri Jeyaratnam. His family joined the racing community and representatives from 32 charitable organisations for the occasion.
This was the first Charity Day since his passing on June 4 at the age of 101. A special tribute recalled his life and the more than three decades he spent leading the Club. For family members and those who knew him, the gathering offered an opportunity to share memories of his life.
His association with the Club began as a committee member, before his appointment as Acting Chairman in 1981 and Chairman the following year. That commitment to service extended beyond the racecourse.
Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah, now known as Yayasan Ipoh, was among the organisations he helped develop. It has supported thousands of people, including children with disabilities. Other causes he supported included initiatives for former prisoners and animal welfare.
On the track, the RM100,000 Listed Charity Cup over 1,200m delivered a close finish. Banker’s First edged out Fortune Rising by a head, with Stormrunner taking third place.
The six-year-old Australian-bred gelding, owned by Banker’s Stable, was trained by Tiang Kim Choi and ridden by Joe Kamaruddin. It was his fifth victory in Malaysia, adding to his success in the Perak Turf Club Community Shield in May.
The winning owner, trainer and jockey were recognised at the Charity Cup prize presentation. The race brought a sporting focus to an occasion that also continued the charitable tradition associated with the club and the late former Chairman.
Away from the racing, the Club extended donations to organisations serving a range of causes and communities. Among the beneficiaries was Perak Women for Women Society (PWW), which also played a hands-on role in the afternoon’s hospitality.
Its baking team, led by Chef Derrick Wong, prepared a colourful spread for the charity high tea at the David Jeyaratnam Lounge. The gathering brought charity representatives together with invited guests and members of the racing community over refreshments.
PWW representative Indira Gandhi explained how the contribution would help the Society.
“The generous donation from Perak Turf Club will help Perak Women for Women continue providing support, shelter and life-changing resources to single mothers and their families. We are deeply grateful” she said
Perak Turf Club Chairman Dato’ John Lim described the occasion as a fitting tribute to his predecessor. Supporting charitable organisations, he said, remained part of the Club’s wider purpose.
“We want to build a Club that people are proud to be part of, where racing brings people together and where we can continue to contribute to the community. That is the spirit behind More Than Racing.”
For more information, visit https://www.perakturfclub.my/ or call +605-254 8084.
