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SARGA.CO—Indonesia’s Horse Racing (IHR): Indonesia Derby 2025 has just concluded, with King Argentin emerging victorious and securing his third Triple Crown title in the country. However, not every horse can compete in this prestigious event. Here’s an in-depth look at the qualifications and the inner workings of the Indonesia Derby.
As with major horse racing championships around the world, the Derby in Indonesia serves as the pinnacle event for the nation's top racehorses. Not every horse is eligible to hit the track; only the finest, having passed a strict selection process, earn the right to showcase their ability.
More than just the showdown, the Derby also serves as the decisive battleground for the sport’s most prestigious title: the Triple Crown. In Indonesia, the pursuit of this coveted crown begins with the IHR Series 1 (1,200 meters), continues with the IHR Series 2 (1,600 meters), and culminates in the Derby Championship (2,000 meters).
Before making it to the Derby, each qualified horse must first go through a preliminary elimination round.
These three races not only form a complete series but also serve as the ultimate test of a racehorse’s endurance, speed, and consistency. A horse that finishes first in all three within a single season officially earns the Triple Crown title.
As previously mentioned, not just any horse can participate in the Derby. Thoroughbreds must meet specific technical qualifications set by the national horse racing authority.
Typically, only three-year-old racehorses are eligible, as this age is considered the peak of a racehorse's athletic performance.
Beyond age, past performance on the track is a key factor in evaluation. Horses that have competed in official races and recorded competitive times are given stronger consideration.
As the governing body of equestrian sports in Indonesia, PORDASI emphasizes the principle of physical fairness in racing. The goal is to ensure that horses with comparable capabilities face off against each other.
This principle is outlined in the 2020 Organizational Regulations on Racing, particularly Article 119, Chapter XVIII, under the Barrier Draw section, which states that horses are grouped by age and height.
In practice, young horses aged two to three years are first grouped by age, since most do not yet have a performance record. Further classification often involves additional criteria such as training times, registration order, and lineage. These additional criteria may vary depending on the organizer’s policy.
Such young horses are typically placed in beginner classes, such as Beginner A or B. Although these races are also classified by PORDASI, they fall under the Non-National Championship (Non-Kejurnas) category.
Height-based grouping for young horses is as follows:
For mature horses aged four years and above, grouping is done strictly by wither height:
After participating in the Derby at age three, horses enter a transition year at age four. During this stage, they compete only against peers from the same age group.
At this point, classifications based on the previous year's performance (such as Class A or B) are applied before they move into the adult class system, which is based on height.
This system underlines that class progression is not solely determined by victories but also by the horse’s physical development.
According to the Environmental Literacy Council, Thoroughbred racehorses typically reach near-optimal physical condition by the age of three. At this stage, their musculoskeletal system—comprising bones, ligaments, and tendons—has developed sufficiently to withstand the demands of mid- to long-distance racing.
By the age of three, racehorses generally achieve the ideal balance of physical and mental maturity. This allows them to perform consistently, stay focused, and respond effectively to a jockey’s commands on the track.
This ability also includes the application of race strategies, making three years old a critical age for peak performance in elite competitions like the Derby.
Beyond technical reasoning, this age requirement also aligns with investment efficiency. As reported by Horse Racing Sense, the cost of training and maintaining a racehorse is high. A Derby system restricted to three-year-olds gives horse owners the best opportunity to quickly realize a return on investment.
This is influenced by multiple factors, such as track performance achievements and increased breeding value once the horse retires from racing.
Preparation for the Derby is carried out in stages, with a measured approach to physical, physiological, and mental readiness. A literature review titled Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits by Alyssa A. Logan and Brian D. Nielsen states that between the ages of two and three, horses undergo light and progressive training. This is designed to strengthen bone and cartilage structures while preventing chronic injuries.
Once this physical foundation is established, endurance and gallop training are introduced regularly to boost aerobic capacity and overall stamina. This stage also includes regulated weekly mileage to reduce injury risks.
Next comes interval and speed training, which helps develop anaerobic capacity. This enhances explosive power, sprint speed, and acceleration—critical components for competition.
Mental preparedness is equally vital. Horses are trained to adapt to various stimuli, such as crowds and loud noises, through consistent daily routines.
Behavioral genetics approaches are also employed to help horses maintain focus and emotional stability under competitive pressure.
All these factors highlight that not every horse is fit for the Derby. Strict regulations and intensive physical and mental conditioning ensure that only the most prepared racehorses make it to the pinnacle of Indonesian horse racing.
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