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SARGA.CO – Amid the turmoil of 1998, a year full of uncertainty, an unexpected story was born from Indonesia’s horse racing track. Her name was Permata Rajawali, a chestnut mare from West Sumatra who arrived without preliminary rounds, without major spotlight, and without the large field of competitors seen in previous years. Yet, it was precisely from these conditions that one of the most iconic stories in the history of the Indonesian Derby was born.
Permata Rajawali was not an ordinary horse. She was a G3-bred offspring, sired by Nan Renceh (TB AUS) and out of Aster (G2). Her build was strong, her stamina steady, and technically she had all the qualities needed to become a star.
Strangely, despite being a “good horse,” Permata was not entered into the Derby qualifying rounds. This decision left many people wondering, until it later proved that destiny had its own plan.
Bred by Dr. Ahmad Rizal, Permata later came into the hands of owner Faisal R., was trained by Iwan K., and was guided by the experienced jockey E. Sonitan.
A Derby Postponed by the 1998 Riots
The National Derby was supposed to take place in July 1998. However, the massive riots that struck Indonesia forced the event to be postponed until December. These conditions left deep trauma among several major stables. As a result, when the Derby was finally held, the number of participants was unusually small — a rare moment in the history of Indonesian horse racing.
In that cold atmosphere, filled with lingering fear, Permata Rajawali finally stepped onto the track.
A Brave Start from the Gate and Immediate Takeover
As soon as the gates opened, Permata Rajawali showed boldness. Jockey E. Sonitan pushed her forward to take the front-runner position, giving no opportunity for her rivals to lead.
This strategy emphasized one thing: despite her lack of experience in the qualifying rounds, Permata did not come just to participate. She came to win the Derby.
Entering the last 400 meters, the turn toward the finish line, a scene occurred that is still talked about today. Permata began to slow down.
The crowd fell silent. Some thought something had gone wrong. But jockey Sonitan remained calm, letting Permata hold back while waiting for the opponents to close in, as if she were “baiting” them. And indeed, that was the case.
As soon as the horses behind began to close the gap, Permata Rajawali exploded forward. She accelerated powerfully, broke away from the pack, and cruised toward the finish line.
The rare slow-then-surge technique resulted in a dominant victory, leaving her rivals 4 to 5 lengths behind. In the quietest and strangest Derby in history, a champion emerged who brought a new color to the sport.
Proof that her Derby victory was no coincidence came a year later when Permata Rajawali once again showed her brilliance. On 9 December 1999, she won the Class A Sprint over 1,300 meters with an impressive time of 01:27.15.
This achievement further cemented her name as one of the best mares of that era.
(Source: Baharna TV, FB IGUTIULS, FB Pacuan Kuda Tompaso, North Sulawesi)
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