KUALA LUMPUR,  19 January 2005

The latest classification list issued by the Malayan Racing Association dated last week indicated there are 1,962 at the four racing centres in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. This compared with an all-time high of 2,504 recorded in September 2003.

While attendances at racecourses and turnover in Malaysia have shown an increase in the last two years, the number of imports have steadily dropped in the past year.

The high cost of maintaining a horse in training and the low level of prizemoney in Malaysia are two reasons why the situation is not likely to improve.

Last year, the Penang Turf Club raised their prizemoney by RM2,500 for all races except special stakes and feature races. The Perak and Selangor Turf Clubs then announced a bonus of RM3,000 to all winners from Class 3 to 5 and Maiden races.

This year, the Penang Turf Club is increasing the prizemoney by a further RM5,000.

Lack of horses have prompted two expatriate trainers, Felix Campbell and Phillip Corner, to quit the local circuit this year.