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SARGA.CO – On top of a racehorse thundering at 60 km/h, the jockey isn’t just steering—they are the central command for the entire strategy. One small movement can change the outcome. One second of lost focus, and the championship title slips away. For professional jockeys, maintaining focus on the track is the key to a champion’s mindset.
Focus Amid Speed
Riding a racehorse is no easy task. The horse’s vibrations, the roar of the crowd, rivals pressing in from both sides, and surging adrenaline all hit at once. In this storm of sensations, the jockey must calm the mind.
“Once you're on the track, the mind must be free from distractions. It's just me, the horse, and the finish line,” says national jockey Meikel Soleran.
Mental Training, Not Just Physical
Many elite jockeys practice visualization techniques before a race. They mentally rehearse the race—starting position, horse movement, and even passing maneuvers on the turns. This helps the brain stay ready for real-time decisions.
Others use deep breathing techniques from martial arts to lower their heart rate and stay calm before the start. This is crucial, as stress can tighten muscles, and horses can sense a jockey’s tension.
Emotional Connection with the Horse
Focus is also deeply affected by the emotional bond between jockey and horse. Without understanding a horse’s rhythm, coordination may collapse.
Veteran jockey Jendri Turangan explains that trust in the horse helps him stay calm under pressure:
“When you fully trust your horse, you don’t panic. Even if you're behind, you know exactly when to push and when to stay calm,”
says Jendri, who rode Djohar Manik, Indonesia’s Triple Crown winner in 2014.
Personal Rituals and Inner Anchoring
Some jockeys have their rituals before racing. Some pray while holding the saddle, some whisper to their horse, and others even hug it before entering the gate. It’s not superstition—it’s mental anchoring, sending a signal to the brain that the body is ready for battle.
Final Sprint: Focus on the Finish Line
In the final 200 meters, mental endurance is tested hardest. Many jockeys say the crowd fades into silence—it’s as if the world narrows down to them and their nearest rival.
At that point, split-second decisions—whether to pass left or right, to push harder or hold position—can define victory.
Horse racing is not just a contest of speed and strength. It is a battle of minds. A jockey must be an athlete, a leader, and a psychologist for their horse—all within less than two minutes.
And for those who can maintain their focus until the final stride, victory isn't just about being the fastest, but about being the calmest, sharpest, and most trusting.
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