IPOH, May 11 -- As horse racing continues to face dwindling popularity across the country, the Perak Turf Club (PTC) is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

No longer just a venue for weekend betting, PTC is reimagining its vast grounds into a vibrant lifestyle and recreational hub with the aim of serving the community, attract families, and revive the heritage of horse racing with a modern twist.

PTC chairman Datuk John Lim said the racecourse was once the crown jewel of Ipoh, drawing thousands from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and even Singapore for regional horse racing.

"In the good old days, horses from all over Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore would come here to race.

"Hotels were fully booked. Restaurants were packed. We would ha...