By Scott Bailey
Malaysian buyers once again demonstrated their growing appetite for New Zealand-bred racehorses, with a strong presence on Day 1 of the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka. Representing both private owners and key racing entities, Malaysian interests secured multiple well-bred two-year-olds, further underscoring the region’s increasing investment in high-quality bloodstock.
The Selangor Turf Club and a number of familiar Malaysian racing figures were active early, combining for more than a dozen purchases across a range of proven international and emerging sires. Their selections reflected a clear strategy targeting athletic, speed-based pedigrees with a balance of European class and Australasian speed.
Among the standout Malaysian purchases were:
| Lot | Sire | Dam | Colour / Sex | Vendor | Buyer | Price (NZD) | Breeze-Up (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Circus Maximus (IRE) | Pearls (NZ) | Chestnut Gelding | Woburn Farm | Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia) | $27,000 | 11.23 |
| 65 | Wrote (IRE) | Queen Serene (NZ) | Bay Gelding | Lilywhites Lodge | Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia) | $25,000 | 11.18 |
| 67 | Bivouac (AUS) | Raggedy Doll (NZ) | Bay Gelding | Riversley Park Ltd | Mr Charles Leck (Malaysia) | $60,000 | 10.85 |
| 71 | Embellish (NZ) | Realta (NZ) | Bay Gelding | Riversley Park Ltd | Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia) | $30,000 | 10.87 |
| 79 | Circus Maximus (IRE) | Royal Welcome (GB) | Bay Gelding | Leanach Lodge Ltd | Mr Joseph Kai Jin Leck (Malaysia) | $65,000 | 10.79 |
| 114 | Anders (AUS) | Slippery When Wet (AUS) | Chestnut Gelding | Kiltannon Stables Ltd | Mr Charles Leck (Malaysia) | $65,000 | 10.53 |
| 117 | Ardrossan (AUS) | Snowdonia (GB) | Bay Gelding | Riverrock Farm | Captain Tan Tiang Huat (Malaysia) | $50,000 | 10.66 |
| 133 | Ribchester (IRE) | Spirit of Sandford (NZ) | Bay Colt | Lilywhites Lodge | Mega Captain Racing (Malaysia) | $60,000 | 10.77 |
| 147 | Harry Angel (IRE) | Tahlio (AUS) | Brown Colt | Woburn Farm | Mr Chin Ooi (Malaysia) | $60,000 | 11.52 |
| 156 | Ardrossan (AUS) | Thee Auld Stick (NZ) | Bay Gelding | Waikato Stud Ltd | Tan Sri Richard Cham (Malaysia) | $40,000 | 10.59 |
| 169 | King’s Legacy (AUS) | Tongue and Groove (AUS) | Bay Colt | Woburn Farm | Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia) | $15,000 | 10.93 |
| 208 | Circus Maximus (IRE) | Absolutelycertain (AUS) | Bay Gelding | Leanach Lodge Ltd | Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia) | $30,000 | 11.10 |
| 209 | Ardrossan (AUS) | Acolman (NZ) | Bay Gelding | Waikato Stud Ltd | Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia) | $30,000 | 10.43 |
| 227 | War Decree (USA) | Arnage (NZ) | Bay Colt | BMD Bloodstock | Mr W.C. Lim (Malaysia) | $45,000 | 11.06 |
The familiar buying bench of Charles Leck, Tan Sri Richard Cham, Captain Tan Tiang Huat, and Selangor Turf Club maintained Malaysia’s reputation as one of the most consistent Asian supporters of the Ready to Run Sale.
Their selections this year again blended speed and value. The purchases of Anders, Ardrossan, and Harry Angel progeny highlight an eye for stallions capable of producing early-maturing types suited to Malaysian racing expectations.
The Selangor Turf Club’s involvement across multiple lots reinforces its broader commitment to upgrading the national racing stock. Its continued presence at Karaka, supported by private Malaysian investors and long-term engagement with New Zealand’s proven bloodstock.
“The Malaysian racing scene has always admired the toughness and adaptability of New Zealand horses,” an NZB representative noted pre-sale. “Their repeat participation year-on-year shows the strength of the partnership.”
Looking Ahead to Day 2 and Beyond
Day 1 concluded with strong clearance rates and robust international competition. Malaysian buyers’ early activity ensured their presence among the first wave of successful bidders — securing several promising geldings and colts before competition intensifies on Day 2.
With freight subsidies and race incentives from Selangor Turf Club continuing to encourage imports, New Zealand-sourced horses are expected to feature prominently in Malaysia’s 2026 racing season.
