Friday, 10 October 2025

New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) hosted a gala ceremony at the Official Residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, to honor horses purchased through NZB sales that have delivered outstanding performances on the Malaysian racing circuit.

The following are the winners of the award in various categories :-

No

Award

Winner

Owner

1

NZB Horse of the Year

LUCKY MAGIC

Happy Baby Stable

2

NZB 3YO of the Year

DUMA

RC Stable

3

NZB 4YO of the Year

ANTIPODEAN

Mr K K Yee

4

NZB Older Horse of the Year

PLATINUM  EMPEROR

Platinum Racing Stable

Awards were presented by key NZB representatives, including Director of Business Development Mr. Mike Kneebone, Asia Airfreight & Bloodstock representative Mr. Alex Teng, CEO of NZ Thoroughbred Marketing Mr. Andrew Birch, and New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Malaysia Ms. Suzy Fewtrell.

The event drew nearly 100 distinguished guests from the racing industry, including His Excellency Michael Walsh, High Commissioner of New Zealand; Tan Sri Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim, Chairman of Selangor Turf Club (SLTC); Mr. Thean Ming Fatt, Chairman of the Malaysia Totalisator Board; Mr. Rodney Cheah, SLTC Committee Member; Dato’ Michael CP Fong, CEO of SLTC; and Ms. Rosalind Lim, MRA Secretary Malaysia.

The evening also marked the official launch of NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale catalogue, featuring an exceptional lineup of 480 two-year-olds set to go under the hammer at Karaka on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November. These young prospects boast elite pedigrees, strong physiques, and expert sale preparations—continuing the tradition of excellence established by previous Ready to Run Sale graduates.

SLTC has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with NZB, with horse owners and trainers consistently sourcing top-tier New Zealand-bred horses to elevate the local racing scene.

In his address, Tan Sri Richard Cham reaffirmed SLTC’s commitment to supporting owners and trainers in acquiring and importing high-quality young horses, thereby enhancing the overall racing ecosystem. He also highlighted that the increased prize money this year, along with the RM3.65 million Black Type races, forms part of a strategic initiative to boost the racehorse population at Selangor Turf Club.

As part of the lead-up to the Sale, SLTC will host the NZB Ready to Run Open Championship on Sunday, 12 October 2025. Sponsored by NZB, the 1400-meter race offers RM300,000 in prize money and promises an exciting contest among top-performing NZB graduates.

Adding to the excitement, the event featured a live Barrier Draw for the Championship, giving horse owners and trainers the rare opportunity to personally select the starting gates for their entries.

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