One of the New Zealand thoroughbred horses.
KOTA KINABALU: Fifty-nine thoroughbred horses imported from New Zealand by Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) arrived at Kota Kinabalu cargo terminal recently on a chartered Singapore Airlines Cargo plane.
The plane transporting the horses touched down at Kota Kinabalu on September 5 after an 11-hour flight from New Zealand.
RSTC chairman, committee members and members were at the airport to witness this historical event, said RSTC publicity chief Ronald Ubing.
He said the horses from proven pedigree were purchased from a reputable and professional bloodstock agent in New Zealand.
“Forty of these horses are fillies (female) which means that after their racing career, they will assist in the future thoroughbred breeding industry in the state.”
Ronald said the agent has also sent a horse expert who would stay for a month in Sabah to assist and impart the finer points of horse racing and stable management to the locals.
He said these horses would be quarantined for a month and later sold by auction to the RSTC members only.
“This is another step forward taken by the management committee to improve the racing activities which will make Tambalang Racecourse on par with international standard.”
Ronald also disclosed that the off-course live telecast from Singapore and Selangor races would commence anytime now.