New Zealand Thoroughbre Racing (NZTR) is delighted to announce the successful sale of its one-year slot in the $4.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). The slot was purchased for $225,000 by a group of Malaysian bidders  the Selangor Turf Club. 

The group, hailing from Kuala Lumpur, includes Captain Tan Tiang Huat, Tan Sri Richard (Chairman of Selangor Turf Club), Dato Michael Fong (CEO of Selangor Turf Club), and Dato Adrian, a business partner of Captain Tan Tiang Huat.

The team is currently in New Zealand attending New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs.

Successful buyer Captain Tan Tiang Huat expressed his excitement following the purchase.

“We’ve been coming to NZB year after year, purchasing horses to race in Malaysia, and have had tremendous success. Now we’ll focus on finding the right horse for this slot. Win or lose, we’ll be there – hopefully with a winner!” he said. 

Adding to the excitement, Rodney Animal Rescue will receive an additional $50,000 – 50% of the proceeds above reserve from the NZB Kiwi one-year Slot Auction.

Captain Tan Tiang Huat was also thrilled to give back to charity through the purchase. 

“We are ecstatic and very happy to have been the successful bidders. Supporting Rodney Animal Rescue through this initiative is particularly meaningful to us, as we believe in giving back to the community,” he said. 

Tan Sri Richard, Chairman of Selangor Turf Club, emphasised the importance of the charitable aspect.

“We are thrilled to be supporting Rodney Animal Rescue through our corporate social responsibility initiatives.”

Dato Michael Fong, CEO of Selangor Turf Club, shared insights into their decision-making process.

“It was a relatively last-minute decision. After discussing it yesterday with Mike Kneebone from NZB, we decided – just 10 minutes before the auction – to place a bid. We are very happy with the outcome.”

This significant milestone not only underscores the growing international appeal of the NZB Kiwi but also highlights the important component of giving back to the community.

Alice Hayward, spokesperson for Rodney Animal Rescue, has expressed immense gratitude following today’s events, which saw the organisation receive a $50,000 boost from the sale of an NZB Kiwi race slot.

Rodney Animal Rescue plays a crucial role in rescuing large animals, particularly horses and Thoroughbreds, that have not been properly managed after their racing careers.

“$50,000 is going to make a huge difference for us – we still can’t quite believe it,” said Hayward.

The organisation is deeply committed to ensuring these horses transition successfully into new homes through education and support.

“We believe education is key to preventing neglect. Our focus is on teaching new owners how to properly care for Thoroughbreds as they come off the track. This funding will be used to develop and deliver educational programmes to ensure these magnificent animals are given the good lives they deserve.”

“This is extraordinary for us, and we’re so grateful to the buyers, NZTR, and especially Brendan and Jo Lindsay who are NZB Kiwi Slot Holders and Principals of Cambridge Stud for their generosity and for including us in this initiative,” she said. 

Rodney Animal Rescue was chosen as the charity recipient during the NZB Kiwi Melbourne Cup Day charity draw, and today’s donation will enable the organisation to expand its efforts to protect and rehome Thoroughbreds in need.

Brendan Lindsay also shared his excitement about the donation.

“We are absolutely thrilled for Rodney Animal Rescue, a charity close to our hearts that we proudly support on a regular basis,” Lindsay said.

“This generous contribution will undoubtedly be put to excellent use by their incredible team, helping to care for the animals we all hold dear.

“Congratulations once again to the successful purchasers of the NZB Kiwi one-year slot. We deeply appreciate their generosity and can’t wait to compete alongside them next March in what promises to be an unforgettable event,” he said. 

NZTR Chairman Russell Warwick congratulates the Selangor Turf Club team and looks forward to seeing them compete in the NZB Kiwi on 8 March 2025, during Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s inaugural Champions Day.

“We’re thrilled to see the final slot in the NZB Kiwi secured by the Selangor Turf Club. Their involvement reflects the race’s international reach while also providing meaningful support to Rodney Animal Rescue.”