Weeks after birthday celebration – tragedy

Young family: Chung and Jess with their son Ah Bee in happier times.

GEORGE TOWN: The last time they met, Dr Tan Swee Hock could see the joy and happiness in Chung Wah Thong’s eyes as he celebrated his daughter’s first birthday at a hotel in Jalan Gottlieb here about two weeks ago.

Chung, also known as “Cacing” in the horse-racing circle, even came over to the former trainer’s house to fetch him to the restaurant.

“I did not have transport that day as my wife had gone out with our car. Not only did he (Chung) invite me to the party but he was also kind enough to offer me a ride there.

“His whole family was so happy then. I’m totally shocked by the news of his death.

“He was well-mannered,” said Dr Tan, adding that both of them shared the same birthday on Sept 24.

Chung joined Dr Tan’s stable at the Penang Turf Club in 2008 before leaving for the Selangor Turf Club two years ago in 2014, and then later to Singapore.

Among Chung’s major successes in Malaysia were the RM300,000 Perak Gold Vase on a horse called Joe Czarina in 2013 and the RM350,000 Selangor Gold Cup on Malaysian-bred horse Beautiful Choice last year.

At the time of his death, Chung was serving a one-year disqualification after he was found guilty of failing to ride with sufficient vigour and determination on a horse called Real Hero at the Singapore Turf Club early this year.

Horse owner Janet Tan described Chung as a dedicated and disciplined young jockey.

“As far as I know, he was not a smoker nor a drinker. He also worked very hard in the stable. My condolences to the family,” she said.

Another close family friend Nordin Lazam, 53, said he had known Chung since he was 17.

“I believe the close family member who is wanted in this case was a jailbird.

“I heard Chung’s mother had given him (the suspect) money to start his own poultry business, but it did not turn out well.

“He would often visit the family asking for money,” Nordin said when met at the Penang Hospital yesterday.

At the mortuary, Chung’s wife Jess Tan and his sister were sobbing uncontrollably.

She posted a family photo on WeChat and wrote a long message to describe her emotion and grief.

It was the last picture of the family, she said.

“All this will only become memory! How do you want me to accept this?... why such an unfortunate incident would happen to you all?” she continued while condemning the suspect of being cruel to kill an innocent child.

The wake for Chung, his son and his mother will be held at Batu Gantung crematorium. The funeral is on Sunday.

As for Toh Hock Choon, his wake will be held at his house in Sungai Dua and the funeral tomorrow.