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SARGA.CO – In the long history of Indonesian horse racing, there is one name that is always remembered as a story of perseverance, uniqueness, and triumph: Big Ben. A chestnut stallion from West Sumatra, he was born two months later than the ideal foaling season—an “administrative flaw” that caused him to be doubted from day one.
Yet, like the name given to him—borrowed from London’s legendary clock tower—Big Ben proved that time was, in fact, on his side.
Born Late, Arriving Right on Time
Big Ben was sired by Swanton Princes (TB AUS) out of Putri Gunung (G1)—a strong bloodline, but one that arrived at the “wrong time” according to the studbook calendar. In horse racing, even the smallest age difference can have a major impact. As a result, Big Ben was often questioned during registration, both for the studbook and for competition eligibility.
However, his trainer, Edwin Basuki, saw something that could not be measured by a calendar: talent. According to him, Big Ben was fast, responsive, and easy to train. His preparation for the racetrack was relatively short—only six months—but it was enough to shape a future ruler of the track.
A Front Runner Who Silenced Doubts
Big Ben eventually earned his chance to compete in the National Horse Racing Championship, Derby class. That was where everything changed. With jockey C. Singal (Coen Singal) in the saddle, Big Ben emerged as a true frontrunner. As soon as the starting gate opened, he surged ahead, leaving all rivals up to ten lengths behind. The victory reminded many of the running style of his half-brother Galigo, the Indonesian Derby champion of 1988.
The 159.5 cm chestnut stallion ultimately etched his name into history as the Indonesia Derby Champion of 1990, a title that officially elevated him into legendary status.
Achievements Continue: Not Just a Derby Winner
Big Ben’s journey did not stop with a single title. In the Soeharto Cup racebook of 1994, his name reappeared as the winner of the Piala Tridan Class A (1,200 meters), once again finishing first after breaking from gate 2. This consistency confirmed that Big Ben was not merely a “surprise,” but a truly great racehorse who remained reliable throughout his career.
Why Fans Call Him a “Time Traveler”
The nickname goes beyond the resemblance of his name to a world-famous clock icon. There are three reasons Big Ben is so beloved:
He challenged time from birth—arriving late in the foaling season, yet never letting that stop him from becoming a champion.
He transcended administrative age limits—an age once doubted became a unique mark that made him even more special.
He bridged two eras—serving as a successor to Galigo from the previous generation and an inspiration for generations of racehorses that followed.
Big Ben passed away in the early 2000s. Yet his legacy lives on in racetracks, in the stories of trainers, and in the memories of horse racing fans across Indonesia. He did not become a stallion after retirement, but his name remains a benchmark, a point of comparison, and a legend that never fades from conversations among racing enthusiasts.
And in the end, Big Ben proved one thing: he may have been born late, but he was never late in becoming a champion.
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