Horse Racing

Historical Period: 1880s - 1990s

Location: Lorong 12, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

Artist: Leonard Siaw

Date Finished: December 2023

Background of the Mural:

Horse racing came to Kuching in 1880, during the time of Charles Brooke. The original racecourse was located between what is now Padungan and Jalan William Tan. It covered a large area with a long racing track. By 1890, the annual horse racing event had become an important social event and attracted people from outside Sarawak.

Historical records also mention that the Sultan of Johor sent a horse to participate in a race in Kuching in the early 1900s. Although horse racing is no longer a major part of Kuching’s activities today, it remains an important part of the city’s history. 

Leonard Siaw’s mural is inspired by this part of Kuching’s past. The mural shows the horse and rider in motion, showing the excitement, focus and energy of the race. The rider’s position and the horse’s movement represent hard work, determination and commitment.

The mural is not only about winning a race. Instead, it represents the idea of moving forward and never giving up. It connects Kuching’s old horse racing tradition with the values