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SARGA.CO – Behind the shining victory of Romantic Spartan at the Indonesia’s Horse Race (IHR) Cup II lies the story of a young jockey from Bukittinggi: Rudy Rahmat, better known as Rudy Junior (JR). For him, racing is not just about riding a horse—it’s about building a deep bond with Romantic Spartan until the pair became one of the most feared duos on the track.
For the past year, Rudy has been the permanent jockey of Romantic Spartan, a racehorse from Padang Panjang owned by Muhammad Ikhsan. Over that time, Rudy has learned that being a jockey is not only about riding skills but also about emotional connection and understanding the horse’s unique character.
“We have to be able to control the horse, adjust to its temperament, and know its character well. As jockeys, we must also keep our physical condition in top shape. It’s not just the horse that needs to be fit—we do too,” Rudy explained.
Rudy’s hard work and consistency have paid off with a string of achievements. Together with Romantic Spartan, he has claimed six victories across regional and national racing events.
The record includes: 3 wins in Payakumbuh, 1 in Bukittinggi, 1 in Sawahlunto, and 1 in the 2025 Indonesia Derby in Bantul.
Out of these, three were national titles: the Sawahlunto Derby, the 2025 Indonesia Derby in Bantul, and the most recent IHR Cup II in Payakumbuh.
At the IHR Cup II, held at Gelanggang Kubu Gadang, Payakumbuh, Romantic Spartan emerged champion in the 4-Year-Old Class A/B – 1600 meters, one of the most prestigious divisions among the 13 races. The horse from San Marino Stable, owned by Muhammad Ikhsan, outpaced four strong rivals from different regions.
The IHR Cup II itself featured 67 racehorses from across Indonesia, including West Sumatra, Riau, West Java, and Yogyakarta.
More Than Just a Race
The journey of Rudy and Romantic Spartan shows that victory is not only about speed—it’s about teamwork, patience, and sacrifice. In the demanding world of horse racing, such a bond makes all the difference.
“When I’m on the track, Romantic Spartan and I feel like one body. We rely on each other,” Rudy said, closing his story.
With their strong chemistry and impressive achievements, the Rudy & Romantic Spartan duo seems destined to continue their winning streak. Who knows—the next trophy may already be waiting at the next finish line.
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