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SARGA.CO—Jones Paendong is not a new name on Indonesia's race tracks. Since his national debut in 2007, he has achieved numerous brilliant accomplishments. Once crowned Indonesia's Best Jockey in 2017, Jones is now once again aiming for his biggest dream: securing the top podium spot at the Indonesia Derby.
Before becoming known as one of Indonesia's best jockeys, Jones Paendong began his journey in the horse racing world as a groom. At a young age, he maintained a routine of caring for horses in between his school activities.
“Back then, the horse trainers lived close to my house. So after school, I would stop by the stables. That's where I initially became a groom. Until eventually, I became involved in the racing world as a jockey,” he recalls.
The year 2006 became a turning point. Jones decided to move to Java to pursue a professional career as a jockey at the national level. However, his initial steps began with participating in several short-distance classes.
“I first moved from Manado to Java in 2006. I started trying out in small tracks, around 300 meters. That was in East Java at the time,” said the jockey, who was born in 1990.
His family background in the equestrian world made Jones's path into racing easier. Before competing on the national circuit, he was already active in various regional championships in his hometown of Tompaso, North Sulawesi.
“My family, especially my paternal grandparents (Opa and Oma), owned their own horses. The world of horse riding has been ingrained in the family through my grandfather (Opa),” Jones explained.
Before joining Miranda Stable and representing the North Sulawesi contingent as he is now, Jones had a career in various places.
In 2016, he competed for the East Java contingent in the National Sports Week (PON), under the auspices of Cahaya Bulan Stable.
But before that, Jones had built a career abroad. He was a jockey in Timor-Leste for two years, specifically from 2011–2012.
According to him, there was no significant difference between racing in Timor-Leste and Indonesia in terms of competition class. He even competed in various classes with diverse track distances.
“Back then in Timor Leste, I competed in a 2,200-meter class, Class B – 1,800 meters. I was also in the Beginner Class D. There were many more,” he elaborated.
One of the proudest moments of his career in Timor Leste was when he was trusted to ride a horse belonging to Xanana Gusmao, the Prime Minister of Timor Leste at the time.
Now, entering his second decade on the race track, only one big dream remains his constant pursuit. Jones wants to etch his name among the champions of the Indonesia Derby.
Jones's extraordinary achievement in 2017 earned him the title of Best Jockey in Indonesia.
He obtained the title thanks to a series of victories across various classes throughout that year. This includes Class D - 1,400 M, Class D Sprint - 1,000 M, Class C - 1,600 M, and many more.
Despite this, he is not complacent. Securing the podium at the Indonesia Derby remains his main target.
"I want to be the Derby champion, but I haven't achieved it yet. That's why I'm motivated to keep competing. The journey is still long," he enthusiastically revealed.
As is well known, the Indonesia Derby is one of the most prestigious titles in the national racing arena. Every horse and jockey who manages to take the top podium in this class will be immortalized in Indonesian horse racing history by PORDASI.
In the IHR: Hamengku Buwono X King's Cup 2025 event, Jones and his horse, Monochrome, successfully took the top podium in the 3-Year-Old Derby Div. I - 1,400 M Class. This achievement further boosts his motivation to become the next Indonesia Derby champion.
Becoming the best in the 3-Year-Old Derby Div. I - 1,400 M Class was not a smooth journey without obstacles.
According to Jones, the toughest competitors in that class were Tokugawa Eclipse and Suntora Nagari, two horses with extraordinary abilities on the track.
However, thanks to the solid chemistry between Jones and Monochrome, they performed dominantly and secured the victory with an impressive showing.
Considered a senior jockey, Jones's training routine has not changed much from the beginning of his career. He remains consistent in practicing and continuously honing his skills to become more seasoned on the track.
"You must keep learning and be willing to fix your mistakes. That's all," he advises.
Although his main focus is currently still on his career as a jockey and his ambition to win the Indonesia Derby, Jones has already prepared a big dream for the future.
The jockey, who was born in Tompaso, wants to become a trainer, sharing the experience and knowledge he has gained with the next generation of jockeys.
“In the future, I want to be a trainer,” he stated.
Regarding his family background, which is deeply rooted in the world of horse racing, Jones admits he does not force his child to follow in his footsteps.
However, Jones acknowledges that his child has an interest in that world.
“My child really likes horses, but I don't force him. My child should focus on school. Who knows, maybe he can own a horse someday,” Jones explained with a laugh.
Jones Paendong’s long journey as one of Indonesia's best jockeys has not always been smooth. However, his conviction and hard work prove that every effort brings results.
In addition, Jones also teaches the importance of not being quickly satisfied with the accomplishments already achieved. Every victory for him is not an end, but a new step toward a higher target.
Besides Jones’s story, there are still many tales behind the Indonesian race tracks. Get the latest information through Instagram (@sarga.co), 𝕏 (@sarga_co), TikTok (@sarga.co), YouTube (Sarga.Co), Facebook (Sarga.co), and the website news.sarga.co.
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