Cover image courtesy of Malay Mail
Private investment firm Usaha Tegas announced on Thursday evening that billionaire Ananda Krishnan has died aged 86.
“The family has requested privacy to mourn his passing. Ananda made significant contributions to nation-building and the corporate world. His philanthropic initiatives have touched many lives,” a statement read.
Krishnan owned Kia Ora Stud which he bought in the year 2000. Kia Ora returned to standing stallions in 2021 with G1 Golden Slipper winner Farnan, and has since added Captivant and Prague.
During his 24 year ownership of Kia Ora Stud, the farm became renowned for introducing Northern Hemisphere bloodlines to their broodmare band. Almost a quarter of the stakes winners bred by Kia Ora over the past 10 years result from Northern Hemisphere purchases.
Kia Ora Stud | Image courtesy of Kia Ora Stud
The farm bred horses such as Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible), Wild Ruler and his Group 3-winning half-sister Pavitra (American Pharoah {USA}). Stars on the international scene included South African champion mare Igugu (Galileo {Ire}) and Hong Kong’s multiple Group 1 winner Wellington (All Too Hard).
Krishnan also bred Listed winner Miss Debutante (Fastnet Rock) now owned by Go Bloodstock, who is the dam of three stakes winners led by G1 Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon).
In the 2024 calendar year, Kia Ora bred Listed Gosford Guineas winner Royal Tribute (Snitzel) and G2 Sandown Guineas winner Serasana (Snitzel). They co-own several exciting colts such as recent Listed-winning juvenile Return To Conquer (Snitzel).
Return To Conquer | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Krishnan also raced G1 Flight S. winner Danarani (Danehill {USA}), and was a part-owner in All Too Hard, among many others.
In 2023, Ananda’s impact on the industry deepened when he took a major shareholding in Vinery Stud alongside industry stalwarts Gerry Harvey and Steve McCann.
Ranked Malaysia’s sixth-richest man by Forbes with a net worth of US$5.1 billion (AU$7.9 billion), he was a Harvard Business School graduate who also studied at the University of Melbourne, his business empire involved telecommunications, oil and gas, and media with some of his companies being Maxis - Malaysia’s second-largest mobile operator, and broadcasting and media company Astro Malaysia Holdings.
Krishnan, a renowned philanthropist, is survived by his wife, his only son, who reportedly is a Buddhist monk in Thailand, and two daughters.
