

SARGA.CO – Payakumbuh Mayor Zulmaeta paid a direct visit to the Kubu Gadang Racecourse to review preparations for the prestigious Indonesia’s Horse Racing (IHR) Cup II, which will take place this Sunday.
The event, featuring dozens of the nation’s finest horses, is more than just a competition—it stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, sportsmanship, and unity for the people of Payakumbuh and the surrounding region.
During the visit, Zulmaeta emphasized that horse racing in Payakumbuh has long been an inseparable part of local culture and tradition.
“Horse racing here is both a tradition and a people’s festival. With SARGA.CO’s involvement, we hope the event’s organization will keep improving, making this a true sportainment experience that blends sport and entertainment,” he told Sarga News.
The IHR Cup II serves as a premier stage to showcase the beauty and strength of West Sumatra’s finest horses, especially those from Payakumbuh, widely regarded as one of Indonesia’s top breeding grounds. Beyond competition, the races help develop the skills of young horses, increase their market value, and ultimately boost the local economy.
“People here even buy new clothes twice a year: once for Eid and once to watch the horse races. That shows how important these races are to us,” he explained.
This year’s Indonesia’s Horse Racing Cup II features a total of 67 horses. Fifty-two will compete across 10 official classes, categorized by age and height.
An additional 15 horses will run in three traditional “Draf Bogie” classes, a classic West Sumatran racing format rich in local heritage.
The total prize purse reaches IDR 425 million, making it one of Indonesia’s most prestigious horse-racing events.
With its enduring spirit of determination and togetherness, Payakumbuh once again proves that horse racing is more than a sport—it is a vital cultural identity and a source of pride for its people.
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