IPOH, 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 — Perak Turf Club honoured the memory of the late Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam, its longest-serving Chairman, with the Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Charity Day on Sunday, bringing together a full day of racing, remembrance and charitable giving in honour of his enduring legacy.

The Charity Cup was the centrepiece of the day’s 12-race programme, with RM 100,000 in prize purse. The race carried an added poignancy this year as the Club gathered to honour Tan Sri Jeyaratnam following his passing on 4 June 2026 at the age of 101.

The Charity Cup prize presentation with the winning owner, trainer and jockey.

Tan Sri Jeyaratnam had a long and distinguished association with Perak Turf Club. He first served on the Club’s committee before becoming Acting Chairman in 1981 and Chairman in 1982. He went on to lead Perak Turf Club for more than three decades, making him the longest-serving Chairman in the Club’s history.

His tenure was marked not only by his contribution to the development of Perak Turf Club, but by his belief that the Club could be a force for good beyond the racetrack.

That commitment extended well beyond horse racing. Tan Sri Jeyaratnam played an important role in the development of Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah, now known as Yayasan Ipoh, which has supported thousands of people, including children with disabilities. He was also involved in initiatives supporting former prisoners and animal welfare causes.

This year’s Charity Day continued that spirit of giving, with 32 charitable organisations chosen to reflect a broad range of causes and communities. Through these contributions, the Club sought to extend meaningful support to organisations making a difference in the lives of others, carrying forward the spirit of generosity that was such an important part of Tan Sri Jeyaratnam’s life.

A colourful high tea spread prepared by the Perak Women for Women Soceity baking team, under the helm of Chef Derrick Wong, for guests at the Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Charity Day.

A special charity high tea was held at the David Jeyaratnam Lounge, bringing together Tan Sri Jeyaratnam’s family, invited guests, representatives from the 32 charitable organisations and members of the racing community.

Perak Women for Women representative at the Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Charity Day.

“The generous donation from Perak Turf Club will help Perak Women for Women continue providing vital support, shelter and life-changing resources to single mothers and their families. We are deeply grateful for the Club’s support and for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful Charity Day.”
— Indira Gandhi A/P Mutho, Perak Women for Women Society

The luncheon provided an opportunity for those who knew and admired Tan Sri Jeyaratnam to come together, share memories and reflect on a remarkable 101 years of life, service and generosity.
A special tribute was also presented during the event in his memory, offering guests a moment to reflect on the life of a man whose presence, leadership and generosity left an enduring mark on the Club and the community.

Dato’ John Lim, Chairman of Perak Turf Club, delivers his opening address alongside members of Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam’s family, as a special tribute to the late Chairman is displayed on screen.

Dato’ John Lim, Chairman of Perak Turf Club said:

“This year’s Charity Day was a fitting celebration of racing, community and giving back. With 12 races on the card and the Charity Cup taking centre stage, the day brought together racing fans, owners, trainers, jockeys, families and the wider community, while also supporting 32 charitable organisations. It was a meaningful way to honour the memory of our longest-serving Chairman, the late Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam, whose contribution remains an important part of the Club’s history.

“Racing will always be at the heart of Perak Turf Club, but our ambition is to be much more than a place where races are held. We want to build a Club that people are proud to be part of, where racing brings people together and where we can continue to contribute to the community. That is the spirit behind More Than Racing.”

For more than three decades, Tan Sri Jeyaratnam was an integral part of Perak Turf Club’s history. His passing on 4 June 2026 marked the end of an extraordinary chapter, but his legacy lives on through the Club he served and the lives he touched through his kindness, generosity and service to the community.

The Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Charity Day was more than a day of racing. It was a celebration of a remarkable life, a tribute to a Chairman whose name will forever be part of the Club’s history, and a continuation of the spirit of giving that defined so much of his life.

EVENT DETAILS
Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Charity Day
Feature Race: Charity Cup
Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
Venue: Perak Turf Club, Ipoh, Perak
Races: 12
Charity Cup Prize Purse: RM 100,000
Charity Luncheon: David Jeyaratnam Lounge
Charitable Beneficiaries: 32 organisations

Media Contact:
Sarah Roseanne Kennedy
Marketing Lead
Perak Turf Club
sarah@perakturfclub.my