The Silk Road Journal · Buying · Malaysia
Malaysia Horse Racing 2026-27: Where to Race, the Big Dates and How to Buy
Singapore closed in 2024. Penang closed in 2025. Malaysian racing is now two clubs, a lot of ex-Kranji horses and some of the most familiar faces in Asian racing. Here is the map for an owner.
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Facts are sourced at the end and were checked on 25 October 2026. No betting tips, nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice, and no horse in this article is for sale.
Malaysian thoroughbred racing now runs at two clubs: the Selangor Turf Club in Kuala Lumpur and the Perak Turf Club in Ipoh. Penang Turf Club held its last race on 31 May 2025 after more than 160 years. Owners and horses are registered, and trainers licensed, by the Malayan Racing Association (MRA). Selangor scheduled 61 meetings for 2026 with RM36 million in prize money; its big races include the RM1 million Selangor Mile (26 July 2026). Around 80% of the horses that left Kranji went to Malaysia. It is the cheapest and closest option for owners in Singapore and Malaysia, with modest prize money.
Where is horse racing held in Malaysia now?
Two clubs: Selangor (Kuala Lumpur, founded 1896) and Perak (Ipoh, founded 1886). Penang closed in 2025.
| Club | Status 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selangor Turf Club (SLTC), Kuala Lumpur | Racing | 61 meetings planned for 2026, prize money up to RM36 million (about HK$69.1 million, S$11.3 million, ¥1.38 billion, RM36 million) |
| Perak Turf Club, Ipoh | Racing | Part of the MRA; feature races include the Perak Derby and the Coronation Cup |
| Penang Turf Club | Closed | Last race 31 May 2025, after members voted to dissolve the club |
The Malayan Racing Association registers owners and horses and licenses trainers for the clubs. Club and MRA rules, fees and the 2027 calendar are theirs to publish; check official site.
Currency lines are approximate, at mid-market rates on 25 October 2026 (1 US$ = about HK$7.84, S$1.28, ¥157, RM4.08). We quote our fee in US dollars, in writing.
What are the big races in Malaysia in 2026?
At Selangor, the Malaysia Inglis Bonus Series: Tunku Gold Cup (15 March), Selangor Mile (RM1 million, 26 July) and Selangor Gold Cup (13 September). At Perak, the Perak Derby and the Coronation Cup.
- Selangor Mile: RM1 million (about HK$1.92 million, S$312,929, ¥38.4 million, RM1 million), run on 26 July 2026; 38 nominations were reported.
- Tunku Gold Cup (15 March 2026) and Selangor Gold Cup (13 September 2026): the other two legs of the bonus series.
- Perak Derby 2026: RM200,000 (about HK$383,937, S$62,586, ¥7.68 million, RM200,000). Coronation Cup 2025: RM250,000, first run in 1985.
Most racing below these features is handicaps and class races for modest horses. That is the honest frame for a buying budget.
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What changed in Malaysia after Singapore stopped racing?
A lot of horses and people arrived. About 80% of the Kranji horses that were exported went to Malaysia, and six ex-Singapore trainers joined Selangor.
Kranji held its last meeting on 5 October 2024. Most horses went north to Selangor and Perak, and several trainers followed them. For owners in Singapore that made Malaysia the most familiar option: same trainers, similar racing, a short drive. The full story, and the other choices (Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, the UAE), is in our guide for Singapore owners after Kranji.
Asian racing has shrunk around Malaysia: Macau stopped in 2024 and Penang in 2025. Our guide to what happened in Macau covers that part of the map.
How do I buy a racehorse to race in Malaysia?
Choose a licensed trainer first, register with the MRA, then buy a horse that suits Malaysian racing: often a sound, honest handicapper from Australia, New Zealand or Europe, at a price the prize money can carry.
- Trainer and registration. Agree with an MRA-licensed trainer, and register as an owner with the MRA (rules and fees: check official site).
- Right horse, right price. Malaysian prize money is modest. A sound horse with a solid rating abroad often makes more sense than an expensive young horse with potential.
- Import. Malaysia needs an import permit and quarantine on arrival; the terms depend on the exporting country and are set by the Malaysian authorities.
- Pay directly. You pay the seller or the sale company by bank transfer; our fee is 5%, minimum US$5,000, in writing.
Horses in training are sold all over Europe this winter; our horses in training page and Australia page explain those markets.
What does a racehorse cost in Malaysia?
Less than in Hong Kong or Australia. Training fees are set by each trainer; ask for them in writing. Our budgets start at US$50,000 for the horse.
| Line | Figure | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| A horse bought with us | From US$50,000 | (about HK$392,000, S$63,900, ¥7.84 million, RM204,200) |
| Our fee | 5%, minimum US$5,000 | (about HK$39,200, S$6,390, ¥784,000, RM20,420) |
| Training, vets, farrier, MRA fees | Set by your trainer and the MRA | Ask for a written monthly estimate |
For a five-country comparison of yearly costs, read racehorse ownership costs in 2027.
A plain word before you buy
We cannot promise a win, a rating, a permit or a price. Nobody honest can, and we never give betting tips. Owning a racehorse is a passion, not a way to make money. What we can promise is an honest view of your options, a careful worldwide search, independent vets, a written limit and plain reports by email. Licensed trainers train; we help you choose one and supervise the plan.
Ready to talk about a horse? Email us first.
Email us your budget, where you want to race and when. We reply within 24 hours. If it fits, we source the best horses from all over the world, check them with independent vets and negotiate to your written limit. Budgets from US$50,000.
Email info@silkroadbloodstock.com first, from anywhere in the world. Phone +971 52 311 2385 second. WhatsApp as backup.
5% fee (min US$5,000), agreed in writing. You pay the seller or sale company directly, by bank transfer; your money never goes through us. If we are ever paid by both sides, both are told in writing first.
Already own a horse, or want to sell one?
Selling a horse that could suit a buyer in Asia or the Gulf? We find the right buyer, worldwide, and the fee is paid only if it sells.
Related guides
- Hong Kong racing calendar 2026-27
- Hong Kong International Races 2026
- How to own a racehorse in Hong Kong
- Japanese racehorses for sale
- Macau horse racing: what happened
- Hong Kong PP and PPG permits explained · Singapore owners after Kranji · Buying a European racehorse from Japan
The Silk Road Letter
Twice a month: the sales worth watching, one buying tip and one real market number (plus the odd catalogue joke). Free with it: our 2026-27 sale calendar (PDF) and a one-page guide to what a racehorse really costs. We email a link to confirm first. Unsubscribe in one click.
Frequently asked questions
Where is horse racing held in Malaysia?
At two clubs: the Selangor Turf Club in Kuala Lumpur and the Perak Turf Club in Ipoh. The Penang Turf Club held its last race on 31 May 2025 after more than 160 years and is being dissolved.
How many race meetings does Selangor hold in 2026?
The Selangor Turf Club planned 61 race meetings for 2026, eight more than the 53 first scheduled for 2025, with prize money rising to RM36 million, as reported by the club.
What is the richest race in Malaysia?
Among the 2026 races we checked, the Selangor Mile at the Selangor Turf Club carries RM1 million and was run on 26 July 2026. It is part of the Malaysia Inglis Bonus Series with the Tunku Gold Cup and the Selangor Gold Cup.
Who registers racehorse owners in Malaysia?
The Malayan Racing Association (MRA) registers owners and horses and licenses trainers for the Malaysian turf clubs. Check the MRA or your club for the current rules and fees.
How much does Silk Road Bloodstock charge?
5% of the purchase price, minimum US$5,000, agreed in writing before we start. Budgets from US$50,000. You pay the seller directly; your money never goes through us.
Spotted an error? Email info@silkroadbloodstock.com and we will fix it within 48 hours.
Sources
Checked 25 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates are set by each racing authority and sale company and can change; always check the official site. Figures from news reports are as reported. Past prices are not a forecast.
- Selangor Turf Club, 5 January 2026: season opener; 61 meetings planned for 2026 (8 more than the 53 first scheduled in 2025), prize money RM36 million
- Selangor Turf Club: Malaysia Inglis Bonus Series 2026 (Tunku Gold Cup 15 March, Selangor Mile 26 July, Selangor Gold Cup 13 September)
- Selangor Turf Club: 2026 Selangor Mile, 38 nominations
- New Straits Times, May 2025: Penang Turf Club farewell after more than 160 years (last race 31 May 2025; Perak 1886 and Selangor 1896 remain)
- Idol Horse: Malaysia's Penang joins the growing racecourse scrapheap
- Ipoh Echo, 24 November 2025: Coronation Cup 2025 at Perak Turf Club (RM250,000, first run 1985)
- The Straight, October 2025: about 80% of Kranji horses exported to Malaysia; six trainers to Selangor
- Penang Turf Club: the Malayan Racing Association (registers horses and owners, licenses trainers)