The first four races from the fixture were screened at Selengor, Perak and Penang racecourses, as well as at four off-course betting centres in Malaysia. It was the first time live British racing had been made available to the betting public in Malaysia.

Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE) broke new ground this month, when coverage from Racing UK’s York meeting on 9 October was broadcast live in Malaysia.

The first four races from the fixture were screened at Selengor, Perak and Penang racecourses, as well as at four off-course betting centres in Malaysia. It was the first time live British racing had been made available to the betting public in Malaysia.

The races were combined with the Arlington race meeting in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to make a single racecard comprising 12 races.

Betting turnovers on the York races were "very pleasing and even better than anticipated" according to John Stuart, PGE’s Director of International Sales.

He said: "This is a great start and has given us plenty to build on. The appetite for York’s races, and indeed British racing, is clearly healthy in Malaysia."

The next Racing UK meeting that Pan Malaysian Pools (PMP) will bet on is at Ayr on 23 October. Racing UK manages the broadcasting rights for York and Ayr, and 28 other leading UK racecourses.

Racing UK’s CEO Richard FitzGerald said: "The York meeting was hugely significant as it has strengthened British racing’s presence in the Far East, and further endorses the long-term view that UK racing has taken with 48-hour declarations.

"We believe the region has real potential for the development of British racing, as we look to build on the Malaysian coverage and expand further into the area."