Malaysia`s horse racing fraternity raised RM2mil in less than 10 days for victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

The donation was handed to the Chinese Ambassador Cheng Yong Hua by Selangor Turf Club deputy chairman Datuk Richard Cham during SLTC`s annual dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Convention centre on Friday night.

SLTC chairman Tunku Datuk Seri Shahabuddin said the horse racing fraternity had donated RM1.352mil with the SLTC giving another RM500,000.

In addition to these, RM250,000 came from the Penang Turf Club, RM200,000 from Da Ma Cai, RM100,000 from the Perak Turf Club.

"The remainder came from horse owners, trainers, jockey and punters,`` said Shahabuddin.

After his speech, club member and Berjaya Corp Bhd chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun donated RM648,000 to round up the money to RM2mil for the Malaysia Horse Racing Sichuan Earthquake Donation Drive.

In conjunction with the International Racing Week for SLTC, the club attracted 17 local and international racing clubs and authorities to Kuala Lumpur. "This was the highest ever number to take part,`` said Shahabuddin.

The overseas participants, who also attended the dinner, included those from Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Da Ma Cai chief operation officer Yin Yee Yuen, Totalisator Board chairman and Penang Turf Club president Datuk Ong Eng Khuan, and Perak Turf Club deputy chairman Datuk Cheah Choong King witnessed the cheque presentation.

The Star (Malaysia)