

SARGA.CO – The atmosphere at the Indonesia Horse Racing (IHR) Merdeka Cup 2025 heated up toward midday at the Legok Jawa Racecourse, Pangandaran, West Java, on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
One of the fiercest contests came in Race IX, the 3-Year-Old Derby Trial over 1,400 meters, competing for the Sarga.co Cup with a total purse of IDR 60 million.
This decisive class determines whether a horse qualifies for Indonesia’s prestigious Derby. Six horses from West Java, North Sulawesi, and Jakarta lined up at the gates.
Eligible contenders in this race are all horses born in 2022, officially turning three as of August 1, 2025. This is the golden stage, where their performance begins to be tested head-to-head in longer races.
It’s no surprise that this class is often dubbed the “Gladiator Arena” on the road to the Triple Crown and Indonesia Derby 2026. The winner is expected to dominate next year’s national racing calendar.
True to its name, the 3-Year-Old Derby Trial over 1,400 meters quickly turned into a tight contest from the moment the starting gates flew open.
Victoria of Khalim from King Halim Stable broke sharply and led the early pace, closely tracked by Pusaka Padjadjaran from Jakarta and Aurora of Khalim, also from King Halim Stable.
Shadowing the leading trio was Suntora Nagari in fourth position.
Victoria of Khalim maintained control with a slim half-length lead after several hundred meters. Meanwhile, Aurora of Khalim tried a different tactic, moving wide from the outer track.
The two King Halim Stable entries worked to unsettle Pusaka Padjadjaran from Graha Alam Stable. But drama unfolded with 200 meters to go.
Fox Ranger of Aragon Stable, who had been well off the pace early, suddenly surged forward with powerful strides.
The dark bay colt, standing 158 cm tall, broke into the top three. Victoria of Khalim, the early leader, faded badly and dropped out of contention.
In the final stretch, the fiercest battle was between Aurora of Khalim and Suntora Nagari of Bendang Stable.
Aurora of Khalim unleashed an impressive burst of speed and power, sealing victory in the 3-Year-Old Derby Trial.
Podium finishers of Race IX – 3-Year-Old Derby Trial (1,400 m), Sarga.co Cup (IDR 60 million):
Earlier in the day, the IHR Merdeka Cup 2025 also staged the Class D – 1,400 meters, featuring four horses.
King Alfayet faced a tough challenge against three West Java contenders: Sultan Nagari, Kujang Mas, and Amaranggana.
Competing for the Le Minerale Cup with a total prize of IDR 25 million, the results were:
Sultan Nagari, a 4-year-old chestnut stallion standing 151 cm, trained by Supendi, is the product of De Lago King x Karya Tonsea.
Another thrilling showdown came in the Class C – 1,600 meters, racing for the Arsari Tambang Cup with a total prize of IDR 30 million.
Though only three horses started, all were seasoned contenders: Royal Dinasti (Aragon Stable & Orbit Sport Horse), Kancil Mas T.A (Tombo Ati Stable), and Yuwaraya (Aragon Stable).
Aragon Stable asserted dominance with two entries finishing on top.
Winners of Class C – 1,600 meters:
Install SARGA.CO News
sarga.co