October 22, 2018

The Australian Turf Club today paid tribute to one of Sydney and Australian racing’s greatest supporters, Dato Tan Chin Nam, following his passing at age 93.

Dato raced many champion gallopers over the past 40 years, winning a string of Group 1 and feature races across Australia.

Among his most famous and popular gallopers was Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate winner Saintly, trained at Royal Randwick by the legendary Bart Cummings.

Other high profile gallopers owned by Dato included Think Big, who won back to back Melbourne Cups in 1974 and 1975, Viewed (2008 Melbourne Cup), So You Think (2009 & 2010 Cox Plate), Roman Emperor (2009 AJC Derby) and Danendri (1997 AJC Oaks).

All of these horses were with his close friend and trainer Bart Cummings, and in later years Dato continued to race horses trained by the extended Cummings family.

In 2007, Dato extended his involvement in the NSW thoroughbred breeding industry when establishing the boutique stallion operation Think Big Stud in the southern highlands.

The ATC Board awarded Life Membership to Dato in 2017 for his significant contribution to Australian and Sydney racing over many years and as a strong acknowledgment of his extraordinary success as an owner.

Australian Turf Club Chairman Matthew McGrath said: “Dato Tan Chin Nam was a hugely influential owner in Australian racing for more than 40 years and we pay tribute to his great contribution to Australian racing.

“He raced many horses with great success, providing Australian racing fans with some great champions.

“We extend our condolences to his family and his many friends in the racing industry.”