test

SARGA.CO—Every year, PORDASI, through its Racing Commission, establishes the agenda for the national horse racing Kejuaraan Nasional (National Championship) in the national racing calendar. This calendar is divided into two main series: Kejuaraan Nasional Seri I (National Championship Series I) and Kejuaraan Nasional Seri II (National Championship Series II).

Each series features flagship classes that attract horse racing enthusiasts across Indonesia. What are they? Here’s the complete breakdown!

Unlike Regional Level Races, which are entirely organized by the Provincial Boards (Pengprov) and may involve invitations between different Pengprovs, the Kejuaraan Nasional is directly under the control of the Racing Commission.

If the Kejuaraan Nasional is held in a specific region, the Racing Commission will form a Regional Committee to prepare the facilities and infrastructure. 

Despite this, the technical execution and control of the race proceedings remain the authority of the Board of Stewards appointed by the PP PORDASI Racing Commission.

The first Kejuaraan Nasional Horse Race was held in 1966, coinciding with the founding year of PORDASI. Since then, this event has been routinely held every year. In 2025, the Kejuaraan Nasional is entering its 59th edition.

Throughout its history, the Kejuaraan Nasional (Kejurnas) has undergone various adjustments in its competition format. However, the division of the championship into two series has remained consistent, in line with the initial concept established since its inception.

The scheduling of these two series is decided through the National Working Meeting (RAKERNAS), which is routinely held at the beginning of the year.

Kejurnas Seri I focuses on age group competitions, ranging from horses two to four years old. This series also features two special classes for Thoroughbred horses: the 2-Year-Old THB INA Class over 1,400 meters and the 3-Year-Old and Up THB INA Class over 1,600 meters.

Meanwhile, Kejurnas Seri II focuses more on height group competitions, ranging from Class A to Class F. For both Kejnas series, all race results are converted into points and then accumulated.

The contingent or provincial representative with the highest total points from that accummulations earns the right to be crowned the overall champion and take home the President's Cup.

"For example, for horses participating in the Derby Class, on July 31st, they are still under four years old. Entering August, the horses competing in the Derby Class move up to the four-year-old class," he explained.

In other words, horses competing in the Derby Class will only turn four on August 1st. This is because their age officially increases on that date, regardless of their actual birth date.

It is also at this age transition moment that the horses in the Derby Class move up to the competition for the four-year-old age group.

It should be noted that Kejuaraan Nasional Seri I is usually held concurrently with the peak of the Triple Crown series, namely IHR: Indonesia Derby.

In the same interview, Danang explained that the Triple Crown series is actually a separate event from Kejurnas Seri I. However, its pinnacle, IHR: Indonesia Derby, becomes part of the Kejurnas Seri I agenda.

"The third series (pinnacle) of the Triple Crown coincides with the Indonesia Derby, which is part of the Kejurnas Seri I series," Danang clarified.

Thus, IHR: Indonesia Derby not only serves as the peak of the Triple Crown but also confirms its position as the main highlight of Kejurnas Seri I.

In Seri II, the races are focused on height groups. Nevertheless, this second series also features additional classes grouped by age.

The classes that are the highlight of Kejurnas Seri II are the A Super Sprint Class with a distance of 1,300 meters and the A Star of Stars Class with a distance of 2,200 meters, which is also the longest distance in the national horse racing championship.

Conversely, Kejurnas Seri II presents a different dynamic by focusing on height groups. Classes based on age groups are considered additional races.

This difference in focus makes both series equally important, yet they offer distinct competitive atmospheres.

"It is a pride for a horse to be included in that class list. Because it makes history in national horse racing," explained Danang.

It is no wonder that victory in these classes is not just about track achievement; it is also about prestige and honor.

The Kejurnas, with its two series each year, always serves as a proving ground for the nation's best racehorses. This event is also the most anticipated moment for equestrian sports enthusiasts. 

Keep following insights about national horse racing on Instagram (@sarga.co), X (@sarga_co), TikTok (@sarga.co), YouTube (Sarga.Co), Facebook (Sarga.co), and the website news.sarga.co.