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SARGA.CO – Horse racing in Indonesia boasts a rich history full of achievements and dramatic moments. The Indonesian Derby, the most prestigious event in the country's horse racing scene, has produced dozens of legendary horses and jockeys since its debut in 1974.
From PRIAM (Sulawesi Utara), the inaugural winner, to Rapid Dash (West Java) who claimed the title in 2024, the Derby has been the stage where rising stars earn their stripes.
The Early Era (1974–1980): Jakarta and Sulut Dominate
In 1974, PRIAM from North Sulawesi, ridden by jockey Maxi Singal, became the very first Indonesian Derby champion. But Jakarta quickly rose to prominence with horses like Valencia (1975), Cempaka (1976), and Bayu Kartika (1977).
Toward the end of the decade, Mystere (1978) from West Java and Trisoela (1979) reignited inter-provincial rivalry.
1980–1990: The Rise of Legendary Horses
The 1980s saw fierce competition between Jakarta, West Java, and North Sulawesi. Standouts included Ken Ayu (West Java, 1980), Pejoang (Jakarta, 1981), and Leonardo (Jakarta, 1982).
In 1985, Liberty (West Java) made history as one of the era’s most dominant horses.
Then, in 1986, Putra Sulut restored North Sulawesi’s glory, while Galigo (West Sumatra, 1988) and Big Ben (West Sumatra, 1990) introduced West Sumatra as a rising powerhouse.
1990–2000: Golden Age for West Java and West Sumatra
In the 1990s, competition widened. Mulawarman (East Java, 1991) became the province’s first Derby winner. Jakarta stayed competitive through Ratu Adria (1992) and Robin Hood (1994).
But West Sumatra flourished with horses like Permata Rajawali (1998) and Manik Trusila (2002). West Java continued its dominance with Lucky Strike (1995) and Nefertiti (1999).
2000–2010: New Provinces Join the Elite
The 2000s brought champions from unexpected regions. Indon (Central Java, 2000) kicked off the new decade dramatically. Exotica (East Java, 2006) and Brave Heart (North Sulawesi, 2007) proved that winning horses now hailed from across the archipelago.
Toward the decade’s end, Messa (West Java, 2009) symbolized West Java’s ongoing excellence in producing top-tier racehorses.
2010–2024: The Modern Derby Era and New Generation of Champions
From 2010 onward, the Indonesian Derby entered a new age marked by fierce rivalries and greater professionalism. Horses like Cahaya Nagari (West Sumatra, 2010), Red Silenos (North Maluku, 2013), and Beauty Eagling (East Java, 2015) showcased the growing national reach of racing excellence.
Since 2017, jockey J. Runtu has emerged as a phenomenon, bringing several horses to victory, including:
Jakarta made its mark again with Bintang Maja (2023), confirming its continued strength in the sport.
50 Years, 50 Champions, Thousands of Stories
Over five decades, the Indonesian Derby has become the ultimate proving ground for horses and jockeys. On its challenging tracks, countless tales of hard work, strategy, and human-animal partnership have unfolded.
The upcoming IHR-Indonesia Derby 2025 is expected to usher in a new chapter in this historic journey, as the next champion prepares to etch their name in the annals of Indonesian horse racing legend.
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