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SARGA.CO—The Jateng Derby 2025, held on February 16, became a proving ground for talented jockeys, with Meikel Soleran emerging as one of the standout competitors. Representing Eclipse Stable, Meikel achieved a remarkable feat, securing six victories.
This championship, which included 18 races, took place at the Tegalwaton Horse Racing Arena, Semarang Regency. Meikel Soleran won 6 races, 4 of which secured first place and 2 of which secured second place.
Among his six victories, four consecutive first-place finishes were achieved in: Kelas 2 Tahun Perdana A/B 1.000 M, Kelas 2 Tahun Pemula C/D 1.000 M, Kelas 2 Tahun Pemula A/B 1.000 M dan Kelas E 1.200 M. Additionally, Meikel placed 2nd in Kelas Terbuka Sprint 1.300M dan Kelas 2 Tahun Perdana C/D Heat II.
This outstanding achievement made Jateng Derby 2025 one of the most memorable moments of this Sulawesi-born jockey career. "I'm grateful. Winning six times is an incredible experience," Meikel expressed.
Among his four consecutive wins, one of the most emotional moments for Meikel came when he competed with Shogun Eclipse in Kelas 2 Tahun Pemula A/B 1.000 M. Shogun Eclipse's physical condition initially raised doubts about his ability to compete. "When I started training him, his front and hind legs were unstable. I doubted whether he could compete in the A/B class," said Meikel. However, after months of intensive training and close evaluation with the coach, the small, determined horse demonstrated significant improvement.
When Shogun Eclipse crossed the finish line first, Meikel couldn't hold back his tears. "I was overwhelmed because I knew this horse's struggle. He used to fall behind, but we believed in his potential. And finally, he won at Jateng Derby," he said with pride.
Meikel's success at Jateng Derby 2025 was not just a matter of luck. He emphasized that strategy and opponent analysis were the keys to his victories.
"Before the race, I analyzed my competitors. The coach gave instructions, but a jockey must make quick decisions based on the situation during the race. Sometimes, I had to hold the horse back to preserve its energy for the final stretch," he explained.
Aside from strategy, mentality played a crucial role. "Horse racing isn't just about speed. It requires tactics, patience, and instincts. A small miscalculation can lead to a devastating loss," he added.
Horse racing isn't only about speed; navigating competition and unexpected track situations is equally crucial. Meikel recalled a tense moment during Race 16 in Kelas 3 Tahun Derby div II when a competitor suddenly cut into his lane.
"I yelled, 'Stay in your lane!' because if there had been a collision, the consequences could have been disastrous. Fortunately, I managed to avoid the situation," he said.
Despite the intense competition, sportsmanship remained intact. "On the track, we are rivals, but once the race ends, we are like family. That's what makes horse racing so special," he added.
Meikel's success was backed by Eclipse Stable, whose trainers and horse owners trusted him to ride eight horses daily—a physically demanding task for any jockey.
"Initially, I was assigned seven horses, but after a fellow jockey fell ill, I had to ride an eighth horse. Managing my stamina and strategy across multiple races was a real challenge," he explained.
Beyond his stable's support, congratulatory messages flooded his social media across Indonesia, including fellow jockeys, horse owners, and horse racing communities from Aceh, Sulawesi, and East Java.
"I'm extremely grateful for all the support. I wouldn't have succeeded without my team, the horse owners, and the horse racing community," Meikel said.
As a jockey, Meikel aims to continue improving and inspiring young jockeys. He encourages aspiring riders to commit to hard training and continuous learning.
"Horse racing isn't just about winning today or tomorrow. It's about a long-term journey and consistency. Never give up, and always uphold the spirit of sportsmanship," he concluded.
With six victories in the Jateng Derby 2025, Meikel Soleran further proves himself to be one of the best jockeys in Indonesia. He is preparing to face the next challenge with a better fighting spirit!
The winner takes home the Toyota Cup with a total prize of Rp150 million.
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