Penang Turf Club is the oldest of the three racecourses in Malaysia, the other two being Perak Turf Club and Selangor Turf Club. The Penang Turf Club is located at Jalan Batu Gantong, George Town, in the northwestern state of Penang in Malaysia. It is the only racecourse in the country, having a 9-hole golf course located inside the racetrack.
The recognition and popularity of horse racing as a sport in the Penang region can be attributed to the Penang Turf Club. The 156-year-old race club has been setting the stage for quality horse racing events for the entertainment and pleasure of spectators and bettors. It is associated with the Malayan Racing Association.
Here is a brief insight into the Penang Turf Club’s history and facilities.
Penang Turf Club History
Malaysia’s oldest racecourse, the Penang Turf Club, was founded in 1864. The initial facility for the racecourse was set up at Macalister Road from 1869 to 1939. In 1939, the race club was moved to its current location at the Batu Gantong.
The history of horse racing can be traced back to 1786 when the first ponies were brought from England to Penang, then known as the Prince of Wales Island. This was right after the British East India Company took over the region of Penang. Around that time, the club was endowed with free land on Macalister Road to build a racecourse of around 1840 meters.
The year 1896 marked the initiation of race meetings on the venue when the first viewing stand and the club buildings were erected from wood and palm thatch on the facility. The prize money for the racing events at that time was around $600 for the whole session.
The racecourse was initially exclusive to the Europeans only and a source of recreation and entertainment for the English ladies and gents who enjoyed watching the race meetings. However, the racecourse and its features were laced with Eastern influences, as reflected in a horserace trophy from 1878 adorned with Chinese dragons.
By 1898, the prize money had increased to around $5900, and the racecourse featured two race meetings in a year, spring and autumn. The venue hosted two race days in January and two in July, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which were declared public holidays. In 1939, the Penang racecourse was shifted from McAlister Road to Batu Gantong.
Penang Turf Club facilities
Penang Turf Club is located very close to Scotland Road, better known as the Jalan Scotland, at the edge of George Town, Penang. Today, the Penang Turf Club features a wide range of horse racing events in the state. The club is a significant part of the local community, and its premises are also available for organising various community and lifestyle entertaining activities for public visitors.
The racecourse is spread out over an area of 202 acres. The racing track of the facility is 1,900 meters long and has a width of 24 meters. Currently, the facility features a sleek and modern grandstand. It is a three-story building which offers an unhindered view of the turf from every section of the grandstand.
In 1978, the grandstand was modified, and an extension was constructed adjusted to the existing building, which increased the club’s seating capacity, making it 14,000. The grandstand features VIP boxes in the new building and corporate boxes.
In addition to a turf track and an impressive grandstand building, the Penang Turd Club also features a Tote Hall, a riding school, a 9-hole golf course and an equestrian school.
The golf course was established in 1948. It initially started in 1966 with 9 holes, which later extended to 18 holes, with nine holes present within the racing tracks. While the top nine holes have been closed since December 2014, the presence of nine holes within the racetrack makes this course unique.
Another interesting feature of the Penang Turf Club is the museum on the club’s ground floor. The museum offers valuable insights into the club’s history. It features valuables and other items, including cups and trophies, racing calendars and books, admission tickets and badges, most of which are more than 100 years old, dating back to 1912.
Another prominent feature you can see is the Penang Turf Club Bungalow. Located only a ten-minute walk from the Viaduct Funicular Train Station, the club bungalow lies 500m above sea level. It is a beautiful facility built amidst lush greenery and offers a beautiful panoramic view of Penang Island.
What are the racing days at the Penang Turf Club?
The Penang Turf Club features race meetings on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
What is the entrance fee for the Penang Turf Club?
The entrance ticket fee for the grandstand in the Penang Turf Club is RM6, while for the viewing terraces, it is RM 26. Tickets can be purchased from the ticketing booth at the Main Tote Hall on the day of the races.
How big is the racing track at Penang Turf Club?
The race track at Penang is 1900m long and 24m wide.
Where Can I Find Penang Horse Racing Tips?
If you are looking for Penang horse racing tips, there are a variety of resources available online that can provide you with valuable information and insights. One option is to search for dedicated websites and forums that are focused specifically on Penang horse racing, and can provide you with detailed information on the latest races, horses, and betting odds.
These sites may offer free Penang race tips, or may require a subscription or payment for access to premium content. Some of these websites may also provide analysis and predictions from professional tipsters who specialize in Penang horse racing.
Another option is to consult with professional horse betting tipsters who offer their services through dedicated websites or social media channels. These tipsters can provide you with expert advice and recommendations based on their extensive knowledge and experience in the industry.
Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to Penang horse racing, there are a variety of resources available to help you make informed and successful bets on upcoming races. By staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends in the industry, and by consulting with expert tipsters and resources, you can increase your chances of success and achieve long-term profitability in your horse racing betting activities.
