SARGA.CO – A major drama unfolded in the thoroughbred (THB) Race XVI of Indonesia’s Horse Racing (IHR) Piala Raja Hamengku Buwono X 2025 on Sunday, November 9, at Sultan Agung Horse Racing Track. Amid the dominance of big-name contenders, Sunglow Nagari emerged as the biggest surprise of the day, snatching victory from three top favorites in the final meters.
The 1,600-meter THB race was initially predicted to be a battlefield for the Montjeu T.A siblings from Central Java. Lord Montjeu T.A and Star Montjeu T.A from Tombo Ati Stable entered as strong favorites for the Rp40 million Arsari Tambang Cup. They were closely shadowed by Jakarta’s fast horse Vaux Theatre, ridden by experienced jockey Nandang Septian.
But from the far end of the track, one name quietly carried danger: Sunglow Nagari, a 3-year-old black filly from Winning Stable, paired with jockey Joshua Meikel Rori and trainer Novi Telew.
Once the starting gate opened, Lord Montjeu T.A immediately took control. Vaux Theatre stayed tight on the inside, and the two ran side by side for several hundred meters. The tension rose even more when Star Montjeu T.A began pressing from behind with 800 meters to go, turning the race into a perfect setup for a three-way showdown.
While the trio heated the front battle, Sunglow Nagari remained calm, conserving energy and waiting for the perfect opening.
An Explosion From the Final Bend
The awaited moment finally came. Entering the final bend, Sunglow Nagari began to accelerate. Moving through the middle lane, the daughter of sire Da Vinci Eclipse and dam Mrs Magician slipped between the three leading horses.
In an instant, Race XVI transformed into a rare four-horse sprint, drawing gasps from the thousands of spectators in the stands.
With 100 meters left, all four jockeys simultaneously dropped their whips. The four horses charged at full speed, creating one of the most dramatic title battles of the IHR Piala Raja HB X 2025.
The head-to-head duel between Sunglow Nagari and Star Montjeu T.A became the climax. But Sunglow Nagari’s late burst of speed proved superior. With the slightest margin, the East Kalimantan contender crossed the finish line first, met by thunderous cheers from the grandstand.
Even the three main IHR commentators shouted instinctively as Sunglow Nagari overtook in the final seconds, emphasizing the incredible nature of the win.
Race XVI Results – THB Class 1,600 Meters
1st Place: Sunglow Nagari – East Kalimantan, Winning Stable
2nd Place: Vaux Theatre – Jakarta, Ciengang Stable
3rd Place: Star Montjeu T.A – Central Java, Tombo Ati Stable
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