Emotional victory for Penang-born jockey as PTC rides into the sunset

New Straits Times

31-05-2025

GEORGE TOWN: As horse racing at the Penang Turf Club (PTC) in Batu Gantung draws to a close, the club commissioned a specially named farewell trophy to mark its swan song.
The 1,300m Race 6 featured 14 horses competing for the RM250,000 Penang Turf Club Farewell Trophy.
It was won by Super Salute, trained by V. Sivan and jockeyed by C.K. Khaw.
Khaw, 31, a Penang native, said the win was all the more meaningful to him, as this was the last race at PTC.
"I am speechless. I wasn't leading from the beginning but at the 350m mark, I saw a gap and seized the opportunity to move in and overtake.
"I pushed through all the way to the finish line."
Khaw began his career as a jockey after finishing high school at 19, and has been riding professionally for 12 years.
"This is not the hardest race I've won but it was the most significant -- winning on Penang soil, on the final day of the PTC."
Khaw, based in Kuala Lumpur, said he intends to ride professionally for as long as he can.
"Although PTC has ceased operations, I'll keep competing at the Perak and Selangor Turf Clubs and aim to grow my name in the industry."
Meanwhile, Sivan told the "New Straits Times" that he was happy with the win but sad that today was the last race at PTC.
"What's more, Super Salute set a track record with an impressive time.
"We'll continue racing in Kuala Lumpur, but for now, Super Salute deserves a good rest."
The final race started at 4.25pm and ended at 4.27pm, which marked the official closing of the track.
The Special Rapid Stakes A 1,300m was won by horse No 5 Lucky Magic, trained by H.Y. Cheng and jockeyed by R. Shafiq.
With the conclusion of the seven races, Penang bids farewell to a cherished institution.