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SARGA.CO—Naga Sembilan, previously known as Leonidas, once again proved its toughness on the long-distance track. After failing to win first place in the 2024 Indonesia Derby and briefly stepping away from the track, it rose again with a series of proud achievements. 

At its peak, Naga Sembilan won the Star of Stars Class A - 2,200 meters, defeating tough rivals in the long-distance category.

Known as a long-distance specialist, Naga Sembilan frequently notched first or second place victories in 2,000-meter races.

Naga Sembilan's journey on the racetrack can be described as a perfect comeback story. After failing to win the title at the 2024 National Championship Series 1 Indonesia Derby Horse Race (Kejurnas Nasional Seri 1 Pacu Kuda Indonesia Derby), where it finished as the second-place winner in the 3-Year-Old Class A/B Indonesia Derby – 2,000 meters, the stallion began to show the great potential it possessed.

After a short break, Naga Sembilan returned to the track with a much more mature performance. It successfully clinched second place in Indonesia's Horse Racing (IHR) Triple Crown Series 2 2025, in the Open Class A – 2,000 meters, before embarking on an extraordinary winning streak. 

It began with the 2025 Indonesia's Horse Racing Cup where it performed as the 1st winner in the Open Class 2,000 meters, followed by a brilliant victory in Indonesia's Horse Racing (IHR): Indonesia Derby 2025, conquering the 4-Year-Old Class A/B – 2,000 meters.

The peak of his comeback journey occurred at Indonesia's Horse Racing: PORDASI 59th National Horse Race Championship Series II 2025 (Kejurnas Pacuan Kuda PORDASI ke-59 Seri II 2025), when Naga Sembilan perfectly closed the competition. He successfully secured the top podium in the Star of Stars Class A – 2,200 meters, one of the most prestigious classes in the national racing calendar.

After finishing in second place in the main Derby class in 2024, Naga Sembilan was briefly absent from various national championships. He finally made a comeback at Indonesia's Horse Racing: Triple Crown Series 2 2025, now with a new status as a horse owned by Red Stone Stable and simultaneously representing the Jakarta contingent.

Under his new stable, Naga Sembilan's performance matured even further. He performed consistently in the long-distance class and recorded a series of brilliant achievements. These accomplishments certainly solidified its reputation as one of the best horses on the national racetrack.

Starting the race from the first gate, Naga Sembilan was not in a hurry to take the lead position. 

As soon as the starting gate opened, one of the biggest rivals of Naga Sembilan, Triple S, immediately launched and led from the start. Under the control of Achmad Saefudin, Naga Sembilan remained calm, maintaining his rhythm in second place, while Kashmir Pararaja continued to shadow from behind.

The previous Star of Stars champion, Queen Divona, chose a different strategy by maintaining a stable rhythm at the back of the pack. Entering the final turn, the competition intensified. Naga Sembilan began to press and narrow the gap with Triple S, which was still in front.

"Naga Sembilan's setup is already good, so the preparation is also easier," said Steven.

According to him, it only took about two months to prepare Naga Sembilan to compete in the Star of Stars Class A. Nevertheless, Steven acknowledged a unique side to the stallion.

"During practice, Naga Sembilan is a bit lazy. But once it changes location, he adapts quickly. His appetite is good, so his physical condition is always maintained," he explained.

Steven also added that Naga Sembilan has a calm character but can become aggressive once he enters the race track.

"When it's on the field, the groomer even struggles. Sometimes it takes two people to hold him back," he revealed with a smile.

"Maybe he knows that when he's on the field, the atmosphere is indeed different," he added.

Steven disclosed that Naga Sembilan needs a "pacer" to reach the front position. 

According to him, the horse actually has a naturally slow tempo but will run much faster when another horse is driving him forward. Even so, Naga Sembilan has a good start.

Naga Sembilan's victory as the 2025 Star of Stars champion is certainly a source of pride for the Red Stone Stable team, including Steven as his trainer. Moreover, Naga Sembilan was able to unseat the previous Star of Stars champion, Queen Divona.

"I was definitely proud. I shed tears when he finished," Steven revealed.

According to him, Naga Sembilan has excellent stamina, which is why the horse is so suitable to be entered in the long-distance class.

For Steven, Naga Sembilan's victory is not just about achievements on the track, but also proof of the hard work and harmony among the horse, jockey, and coaching team.

Naga Sembilan's victory in the 2025 Star of Stars Class A is proof that consistency and a champion mentality are not born from luck alone. Although he failed in the Derby Class in 2024, Naga Sembilan was able to conquer one of the most prestigious tracks in the country.

The twists and turns of Naga Sembilan's journey in the racing arena are tangible evidence that the team's belief can turn failure into a moment of triumph.

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