

SARGA.CO – Indonesia’s horse racing scene is abuzz with anticipation as history is poised to be made. At the upcoming Indonesia Horse Racing (IHR) – Indonesia Derby 2025, King Argentine has a golden opportunity to claim the elusive Triple Crown trophy, which no horse has managed to win for over a decade.
This pivotal moment will take place this weekend during the IHR – Indonesia Derby Cup 2025, held at the Sultan Agung Racecourse, Yogyakarta, on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The challenge of securing the Triple Crown isn’t unique to Indonesia. Around the world, trainers and stable owners are often left scratching their heads, trying to crack the code of winning this most prestigious title.
Just take the story of Bob Baffert, a renowned horse trainer from the United States. Under his masterful guidance, two Triple Crown trophies were clinched by American Pharaoh in 2015 and Justify three years later.
But those victories didn’t come easily. They were preceded by years of failure and heartbreak. And despite holding two Triple Crown titles, Baffert revealed that there's only one secret to winning this esteemed race series.
As quoted from Courier-journal.com, Baffert came painfully close to winning the Triple Crown three times between 1997 and 2022, with horses Silver Charm, Real Quiet, and War Emblem.
Baffert began turning heads in 1997 with Silver Charm, a horse that won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Hopes were high that Silver Charm would clinch the Triple Crown.
But those hopes were dashed in the Belmont race. Silver Charm lost by three-quarters of a length to Touch Gold.
The golden chance returned in 1998 with Real Quiet and again in 2002 with War Emblem. Once more, Baffert was left heartbroken. Both champion horses failed to bring home the Triple Crown.
Real Quiet lost at Belmont by a narrow margin to Victory Gallop. Meanwhile, War Emblem finished a disappointing eighth.
After a 37-year drought in American Thoroughbred racing, fans finally witnessed a new Triple Crown champion. In 2015, American Pharaoh broke the dry spell and secured the coveted title.
After such a rollercoaster journey to finally claim the Triple Crown, Baffert’s “secret” turned out to be surprisingly simple.
According to Baffert, the secret lies in the horse itself. The key to winning doesn't come from any magical method a trainer might discover.
Couries-journal
While preparing horses for the Derby, Baffert trained them all the same way. There were no special treatments or altered routines in his method.
“I truly didn’t change anything,” he said.
“We just hope the horse is strong and willing. As long as he’s strong, eager, and capable, it’s up to him to make it through the mile-and-a-half (2.4 km),” Baffert added.
Now, with just days to go, King Argentine from King Halim Stable is set to risk the two Derby titles it has already secured.
Failing to finish first will mean horse racing fans must once again wait for a new Triple Crown champion to emerge.
But a victory at the IHR Indonesia Derby 2025 would see King Argentine quench the nation’s 11-year thirst for a Triple Crown winner.
Will King Argentine finally break the Triple Crown drought this weekend?
You can find out by attending the IHR Indonesia Derby 2025 live at Sultan Agung Racecourse.
Can’t make it to the racecourse? Don’t worry—you can still catch the action at 10 of your favorite coffee spots, which will be hosting Watch Parties for the IHR Indonesia Derby 2025.
Install SARGA.CO News
sarga.co