

SARGA.CO—Jendri Turangan has long been a familiar face on the horse racing scene. With unwavering dedication and a sharp eye for a horse’s potential, his passion for the sport positioned him as a driving force behind Djohar Manik’s success. This legendary horse clinched the national Triple Crown title.
Before becoming a trainer at Tombo Ati Stable, Jendri began his career as a jockey at the 2006 National Championship, competing in the Youth Class. At that time, he was entrusted to race with Pitulikur, representing Tombo Ati Stable, and he led the horse to victory.
That moment marked the beginning of his rise. He earned the title of ‘Best Jockey’ three times, in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Throughout his jockey career, he shared that the most memorable moment on the track was when he raced with Djohar Manik.
"The most unforgettable moment for me was riding Djohar Manik. From his very first race, he immediately won," he recalled.
From there, the bond between Jendri Turangan and Djohar Manik grew stronger, built on trust between jockey and horse.
“He’s a smart horse. Since his debut, Djohar Manik has always been with me, from groundwork (in local idiom: ngelongser) to riding. It’s like he understood what I wanted, and he followed my lead,” he added.
For additional context, ngelongser is a horse training method that involves guiding the horse to walk, trot, or canter in a circle using a long rein, commonly known as a lunge line.
For Jendri, Djohar Manik was far from an ordinary racehorse. He wasn’t just fast, he was consistent, calm under pressure, and knew exactly when to explode at the right moment. It’s no wonder Djohar Manik became one of only two horses to earn the national Triple Crown title in 2014.
Jendri recalled how many were impressed by Djohar Manik’s speed on the track, especially during the first leg of the Triple Crown Series in the 1,200-meter race.
“This horse is insanely fast! How did he get so far ahead?” he said.
The second leg of the series posed a bigger challenge with a longer distance of 1,600 meters. Jendri shared that Djohar Manik managed to stay consistent and deliver another strong performance. From the two races they had completed, Djohar Manik came out on top in both.
But the real test was yet to come. Ahead of the 2014 Indonesia Derby, Jendri admitted feeling immense pressure, especially after learning they would be starting from the 11th gate, meaning they’d begin near the back of the pack.
The final race wasn’t easy. They faced several challenges throughout. But despite it all, Djohar Manik and Jendri rose above every obstacle and clinched another win at the 2014 Indonesia Derby.
“That was a one-of-a-kind Derby win. As far as I know, no other horse has come from the back and led the pack again by the 600-meter mark.” Jendri said proudly.
For Jendri, horse racing isn’t just about speed. He believes that understanding a horse’s character is the key to winning. Djohar Manik, for example, wasn’t just fast; he also had remarkable endurance on the track.
From this unique combination of strengths, Jendri shared the secret behind his training methods.
“You have to treat a horse gently. If you're rough, the horse won’t respond,” Jendri explained.
He admitted that this approach worked well with Djohar Manik, especially since he had known the horse’s personality for a long time.
“At the start, most horses need to be pushed and then held back. But not Djohar Manik. Once he’s off, you just let him run his way. Other horses burn out if you don’t hold them; by the time they reach the finish line, they’re done,” he explained.
Given Djohar Manik’s exceptional qualities, Jendri revealed that many consider the horse to be truly special. Unlike most horses, Djohar Manik seemed to understand what his jockey wanted.
“I’ve ridden a lot of horses, even winners. But Djohar, he just gets it. When I tighten the reins, he still finds another gear, especially on the final straight,” he added.
What Jendri described above is supported by research featured on Horseline, which emphasizes that a jockey must build trust with the horse to keep it calm and focused on the track. A jockey’s confidence can transfer to the horse, boosting its performance during the race.
The string of victories that led Jendri Turangan and Djohar Manik to the Triple Crown title wasn’t merely the result of a professional relationship between jockey and horse. Behind those achievements lies a deep emotional bond and mutual trust.
“Djohar Manik never gets upset, no matter what you do. Who knows how many years it’ll take to find another horse like him,” said Jendri.
For him, Djohar Manik was a blessing not only in his career but also for his family. The champion wasn’t just a source of income, but a source of pride and joy, especially with the historic Triple Crown win.
Having spent years in the world of horse racing, Jendri holds onto hope for the revival and continued growth of the sport in Indonesia.
“I hope horse racing in Indonesia rises again. There are already many new names joining Tombo Ati Stable,” said Jendri.
Besides Djohar Manik, several other horses from Tombo Ati Stable are beginning to make their mark on the national racing scene. Because of that, Jendri places great hope on the next generation of champions.
“Tombo Ati’s horses are rising higher, too,” he added.
The story of Jendri Turangan and Djohar Manik now serves as inspiration for aspiring trainers and jockeys. His approach to working with horses sets a powerful example, proving that greatness is built on solid preparation and strong teamwork, not just luck.
Jendri isn’t just a trainer, he’s a mentor, a learner, and a role model, setting a new benchmark in Indonesia’s horse racing landscape.
Djohar Manik’s victory is a moment in history. But Jendri Turangan’s name is a legacy. He is one of the key figures who rightfully deserves a place of honor in the story of Indonesian horse racing.
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