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Tributes have flowed for Dato Tan Chin Nam, the Malaysian owner and major client of former champion trainer Bart Cummings, following his passing at the age of 93.

Dato Tan Nim Chan’s involvement in Australian racing spanned almost 50 years as an owner and breeder from the time he raced his first horse with Cummings in 1971.

Together they won four Melbourne Cups with Think Big twice, Saintly and Viewed, three Cox Plates (So You Think twice and Saintly) and a host of other G1 races with stars such as Catalan Opening, Faint Perfume, Norzita, Pendragon, Danarani, God’s Own, Roman Emperor, Wonderful World and Allez Wonder.

Dato Tan also owned Think Big Stud, formerly Inverness Stud, in the NSW southern highlands. The property is now leased to Lime Country Thoroughbreds.

His famous racing colours of white and black checks with yellow sleeves reflected his passion for the game of chess.

From humble beginnings as a roadside vendor he became of Malaysia's most influential businessmen and property developers.

In 2005 the Moonee Valley Racing Club re-named the Feehan Stakes the Dato Tan Nim Chan Stakes in honour of his contribution to Australian racing.