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SARGA.CO—Horse racing may seem like nothing more than a series of horses competing for speed on a track. However, horse racing is a unique combination of a horse's athletic power, a jockey's strategy, and the hard work of a team behind the roaring crowd. If you're new to the sport, read the following discussion for more information.
Known as an adrenaline-fueled speed competition, horse racing is an equestrian sport that combines speed, strength, and precise skill. In this arena, jockeys and horses work together, pushing themselves through every meter of the track to reach the finish line.
In Indonesia, the sport has two forms: professional horse racing, which follows official class standards, track distances, and championship calendars, such as Indonesia’s Horse Racing. This event serves as a platform for elite equestrian athletes to showcase their accomplishments.
On the other hand, there is traditional horse racing, which is part of the cultural heritage in various regions, such as Pacu Kude in Aceh, Maen Jaran in Sumbawa, and Pacoa Jara in Bima.
That's why, in addition to being a speed competition, horse racing is an adrenaline-filled spectacle that tests the chemistry between the jockey and the horse, while also celebrating the rich traditions that are still alive in the country.
Horse racing in Indonesia has long been intertwined with the nation’s cultural roots. Since the colonial era, it has often been part of community festivals and a source of entertainment across regions. From dusty village tracks to more organized arenas, the sport steadily evolved over time.
On June 6, 1966, the Indonesian Equestrian Sports Association (PORDASI) was established as the driving force behind the sport. Through its Racing Commission, PORDASI has consistently staged national championships, showcasing the finest racehorses alongside skilled jockeys and trainers.
The organization has made competition standards, the quality of racehorses, and the development of racing infrastructure its main priorities. The ultimate goal: to elevate Indonesian horse racing to a professional level, positioning it not only as a proud national sport but also as one worthy of recognition on the international stage.
For the competition to run fairly, the rules are very strict. Horses are grouped into classes based on their height and age. Here is the complete list.
Groups Based on Height
Groups Based on Age
The requirements for becoming a jockey are no less strict. Besides being skilled at riding racehorses, a jockey must have an official license from the Racing Commission and a doctor's certificate proving their physical and mental health.
The racetrack must also meet national standards, with a length of about 1,200 meters and a width of 10-16 meters. All of this is designed to ensure fairness, safety, and sportsmanship.
From these strict rules, the stage for true competition is born: the National Championship.
Each year, PORDASI (the All-Indonesian Equestrian Association) drafts a competition calendar, which serves as a guide for stables, trainers, and horse owners.
There are two main series in one horse racing season, including:
The first series of the championship features horses aged 2, 3, and 4 years. This series always attracts attention with its top classes, such as the Indonesia Derby for 3-year-old horses and the Triple Crown championship.
The Triple Crown is a series of three consecutive races with distances of 1,200 meters in Series 1, 1,600 meters in Series 2, and 2,000 meters in the final race, or the Derby.
There is also the Pertiwi Cup, a special event for 3-year-old mares with a distance of 1,600 meters.
This series is divided based on horse height, with fierce competition in prestigious classes like Class A Super Sprint and Class A Star of Stars. The second series usually begins in November each year.
Outside of these two major series, there are other competitions like the Merdeka Cup, which is an important event for showcasing the potential of top horses before they compete in the Triple Crown or the Indonesia Derby the following year.
To participate, every horse must go through official stages, from registration to the drawing process that determines each horse's gate position.
Race Day is a moment full of action involving many vital elements in the arena. The main track is the main stage, surrounded by other important areas.
There is a jockey room for preparation, a steward's tower as the control center, a mounting yard where horses and jockeys are introduced, and an awarding area for the trophy ceremony. All these points, plus the spectator stands, create a lively and euphoric atmosphere.
The success of a race is the result of a solid team effort. Behind every horse is the owner, a trainer who designs the training program and strategy, and a groom who cares for the horse every day.
On the field, the jockey perfectly executes the strategy. To ensure a smooth competition, the board of stewards oversees the race, assisted by race judges who determine the finish order, timekeepers, photo finish officials, and the announcer.
The start master even has a crucial role in ensuring the start is fair and simultaneous, while the medical and security teams are always on standby to maintain the safety of everyone involved.
National-level horse racing in Indonesia has a packed and prestigious competition calendar. Each season, several major events take place not only as an arena for speed duels but also as a stage for the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in the country to prove themselves. Here are some of the national horse racing championships held in Indonesia.
1. Triple Crown
As mentioned before, the Triple Crown is the most prestigious achievement for qualifying three-year-old racehorses. Just like the Triple Crown in other countries, Indonesia also holds a three-series championship to compete for the highest title.
It begins with the Indonesia’s Horse Racing (IHR): Triple Crown Serie 1 with a distance of 1,200 meters, continues with the IHR: Triple Crown Serie 2 with a distance of 1,600 meters, and concludes with the IHR: Indonesia Derby with a distance of 2,000 meters.
A horse will only be crowned a Triple Crown winner if it successfully wins all three series in the predetermined class.
2. Indonesia Derby
In addition to the Triple Crown, the Derby class championship is also a prestigious event in the country's horse racing scene. In this event, three-year-old horses compete for the 'Derby' title, conquering a track of 2,000 meters.
3. Pertiwi Cup
The Pertiwi Cup is a national horse racing event specifically for female racehorses. This championship is a stage for owners and trainers to showcase the best abilities of their horses on the track.
Although it is exclusively for female horses, the competition is just as fierce as in the general classes. This championship brings together the best three-year-old horses in Indonesia in a race of 1,600 meters.
4. Merdeka Cup
The Merdeka Cup is an event that gathers the best racehorses to showcase their potential. This championship features a number of prestigious classes, such as the 1,400-meter 3-Year-Old Derby Prospect Class and the 1,300-meter Open Sprint Class.
Ultimately, horse racing is not just about who is the fastest to cross the finish line. The track becomes a stage where power, technique, and strategy merge, where every second and every step of the horse is counted with precision. That's why every moment in horse racing should not be missed.
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