The Selangor Turf Club (SLTC) is buzzing with pride following the spectacular professional debut of its Apprentice Jockey, Farhan Ghazali, who guided the aptly named Banker’s Princess to a thrilling victory on Saturday, 14 September 2025.

The win is being hailed not just as a personal triumph for the young jockey, but a resounding endorsement of the SLTC's revamped Apprentice Jockey School and the vital programs behind it. 

The atmosphere was electric as Farhan, displaying poise beyond his years, delivered a perfectly timed ride to secure his first win. Behind this milestone moment is a story of dedication, collaboration and funding which is nurturing the next generation of professional talent.

The Star's Moment: Farhan' Gratitude

For the young man at the center of the celebration, the feeling was surreal. "I am so happy and thankful to God," said an elated Farhan Ghazali shortly after the race. "This is a dream come true for me. I have to thank my family for their support, and my indentured trainer, Mr Johnny Lim, for his trust and for giving me this opportunity on a good horse. A huge thank you also to the Selangor Turf Club Apprentice School—to Mr Clement Chew, Mr LL Tai and all the trainers—for their endless patience and for teaching me everything I know. This win is for all of them. I will keep working hard to improve and hope to make them all proud again."

A program to produce top class jockeys

Chairman of the Selangor Turf Club Apprentice School, Mr Clement Chew, was beaming with pride when asked about Farhan's achievement. He was quick to highlight the School's holistic training which was aimed at producing the next generation of professional riders.

"Farhan's win is an encouragement for those who believed in the Apprentice School's vision of producing top-class jockeys," Mr Clement Chew began. "Farhan's victory is the result of a program which is aimed at developing young riders. To bring out the potential of our apprentices, we organize classes to develop their riding skills, physical prowess, mental health and personal well-being. 

On behalf of Selangor Turf Club, my thanks to the Board of Lembaga Totalisator Malaysia who have supported the School with training grants. Without the Tote Board, our vision would not be possible" he added. "Farhan's first-ride, first-win feat reflects the support of many stakeholders. Selangor Turf Club is proud to be able to offer a path for talented riders to pursue their ambition as a professional jockey."

The day-to-day architect of this system is the Head of the Apprentice School, Mr LL Tai. He highlighted the immense effort Farhan invested in his preparation, made possible by the school's resources. "From day one, Farhan showed a hunger to learn. The support from our partners allows us to provide the environment for that learning to thrive. He absorbed every piece of advice, spent hours in the saddle building his strength and technique, and studied race replays relentlessly. What you saw on the track was confidence born from countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. He earned this moment."

Laying the Foundation

The current success of the program owes a debt to those who helped lay its foundation. Mr Chris Watson, the former consultant to the Apprentice School, played a pivotal role in shaping its modern curriculum.

"It's incredibly gratifying to see the seeds we planted now bearing fruit," Mr Watson commented from abroad. "The focus was always on creating a holistic program that blended practical horsemanship, race tactics, physical fitness, and mental resilience. Farhan was a keen student of the game. To see him execute his race plan so perfectly on his first official start is a testament to his character and the solid base the SLTC School now provides."

The Trainer's Belief

Behind every young jockey is a trainer willing to give them a chance. Mr Johnny Lim, Farhan's indentured trainer, provided that crucial opportunity and has watched the Apprentice's growth first-hand.

"I have seen him grow from a boy who loved horses into a young man with the makings of a true jockey," Lim said. "He has a natural feel for a horse and a calmness in the parade ring that belies his age. Giving him the ride on Banker's Princess was a decision based on belief. I believed in his ability, and he believed in the horse. It was a perfect partnership. This is just the beginning of his journey, and I am excited to see him develop further."

Farhan Ghazali's dream debut has sent a clear message: the future of Malaysian jockeys are in capable hands. Through the support of Lembaga Totalisator Malaysia and the exposure gained from Selangor Turf Club's thriving ecosystem, this promising Apprentice has not only won his first race but has also kick-started a career loaded with potential. The journey of Banker's Princess, it seems, is only just beginning.