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SARGA.CO—Behind the crowd, cheers and pounding hooves slice through the racetrack; one voice ignites excitement, sets the rhythm, and keeps the tension high from start to finish. That voice belongs to Daffa Mustofa, a 23-year-old who has quickly made a name for himself as one of the rising stars in Indonesia’s horse racing commentary scene.
Daffa’s journey began far from the racetrack. In middle school, he loved playing local football and volleyball matches in his hometown.
Who would have thought that his passion for commentating would one day lead him to spontaneously apply for a speaking slot at the Latihan Bersama Kartini Cup in Tegalwaton in 2022? What started as a trial quickly turned into a profession. Today, he is the commanding voice behind many regional and national races.
The role of an announcer in horse racing isn’t just about calling out which horse is in the lead. The announcer is the storyteller of the entire race.
From guiding the horses from the paddock to the mounting yard, leading them to the starting gate, to announcing their positions throughout the race, every word must be delivered quickly, clearly, and with emotion, all while staying neutral.
That’s where the most significant challenge lies. The announcer is talking to not only the audience but also trainers, horse owners, and everyone involved in the race.
Beyond strong nerves, a deep understanding of race statistics and horse characteristics is crucial. Before each race, Daffa studies the race book, examines time records, and even traces horse bloodlines. He believes that this kind of knowledge helps build compelling race narratives.
For instance, when a top contender falls behind early, he might make the drama by saying, “Queen Thalassa is still crafting her strategy from the back…,” and the crowd holds its breath.
For Daffa, mental strength is the number one requirement for his job. “If you don’t have the mental endurance, you won’t survive in this profession,” he said. The crowd once booed him for announcing the wrong race—one of his most memorable experiences.
But instead of backing down, the incident only made him stronger.
Staying neutral is another crucial part of the role. Even if he has a personal favorite, he must not show bias. “If I want to celebrate, I take off the mic first,” he joked. He also makes sure not to announce any horse injuries during the race to keep the atmosphere calm and focused on the event.
Regarding voice, Daffa believes every announcer has their signature sound. He taught himself by watching race videos, mimicking the style of the late Basu Bakir, and learning directly from Ardi Wijaya, a senior announcer who still actively works and is his mentor.
“What matters isn’t how good your voice sounds, but how clear your intonation and articulation are,” he stressed. He regularly reviews his recordings and reads viewer feedback—even social media critiques, as tools for self-improvement.
Now, with experience in around 15 horse racing events and a growing reputation, Daffa Mustofa has become more than just a commentator—he’s the spirit of the track. He believes that voice has the power to create unforgettable moments in racing. “If I can get the crowd hyped up at the finish line, that’s an unmatched sense of pride,” he said emotionally.
For Daffa, this is more than a job. It’s a calling, a blend of passion for voice, adrenaline, and a deep love for animals. His signature shout, “Let’s go! Dsyuuuu...!” has now become the sound that signals the race has begun—and a new story is about to be written on the track.
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