

SARGA.CO – The Indonesia Horse Racing (IHR)–Merdeka Cup 2025 concluded spectacularly at the Legok Jawa Racecourse, Pangandaran, West Java, on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean and the spirit of Indonesia’s 80th Independence anniversary, one name stood out as the undisputed star: Aragon Stable.
Out of 48 horses that reached the podium, Aragon Stable dominated with 12 podium finishes, far surpassing its closest rivals, Tombo Ati Stable from Central Java (6 podiums) and Van Doeloer Stable from West Java (5 podiums). This achievement not only reflects the strength of their squad but also marks a new golden era for the West Java-based stable.
Meanwhile, jockeys M. Ikbal and Agung Setiono recorded the highest number of podiums with five each, followed closely by Ended Rahmat with four podiums.
The IHR-Merdeka Cup 2025 served as a proving ground for several standout horses that previously excelled at the IHR–Indonesia Derby 2025. Kasmaran from Jakarta delivered a captivating performance in Class F (1,000 meters), Fiona of Khalim from West Java triumphed in the 3-Year-Old Prospective Juvenile Class (1,200 meters), while She’s Coming, also from West Java, proved her strength in the THB INA Class (1,600 meters).
The spotlight, however, fell on the two most prestigious categories. In the 3-Year-Old Prospective Derby Class (1,400 meters), Aurora of Khalim was simply unstoppable, followed by War Kudeta’s victory in the Open Sprint Class (1,300 meters)—both representing the growing dominance of West Java horses on the national stage.
More than just a sporting event, the IHR-Merdeka Cup 2025 has evolved into a unique sport tourism attraction. Located at Madasari Beach, the Legok Jawa Racecourse offers a 1,200-meter track with direct views of the Indian Ocean, making it one of only two beachside racecourses in the world.
The Regent of Pangandaran, Citra Pitriyami, expressed pride in hosting such a prestigious event.
“We hope the IHR-Merdeka Cup can become an annual event that strengthens Pangandaran’s position as a leading sport tourism destination,” she said.
Echoing this, Aryo PS Djojohadikusumo, Chairman of the Indonesian Horse Racing Federation (PP PORDASI), emphasized the importance of consistency in hosting horse racing events in West Java.
“Regions such as Garut, Tasikmalaya, and Sukabumi have strong local horse racing ecosystems. This potential must continue to be nurtured and supported,” he stated.
Spirit of Independence and the Rise of National Horse Racing
Carrying the theme “The Race of Rising Stars”, IHR 2025 not only celebrated jockeys and horses as athletes but also positioned the racecourse as a hub for the growth of Indonesia’s sports and tourism industries. Aseanto Oudang, CEO of SARGA.CO, underlined that IHR is a stage for the emergence of new stars in Indonesia’s horse racing scene.
Coinciding with the celebration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, the IHR-Merdeka Cup 2025 was more than just a sporting spectacle—it became a symbol of nationalism, celebrated in a fresh and competitive format.
The event was organized by SARGA.CO, in collaboration with PP PORDASI, and supported by Arsari Tambang and Le Minerale.
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