From 1950s Tradition to Modern Sport Tourism, Ambal Horse Race Becomes Tourist Magnet.

The thunder of hooves and cheers of spectators will once again echo through Ambal, Kebumen. The generational tradition of Ambal Horse Racing is not merely an annual agenda, but the pulse of Sport Tourism that continues to thrive on the south coast of Central Java.

The Regent Kebumen Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place on March 24-26, 2026, at the Krido Turonggo Field, Kaibonpetangkuran Village, Ambal District. This event is again positioned as a meeting point between Cultural Heritage and modern competition.

The confirmation of the event was revealed during an audience of the Ambal Horse Racing Committee with Lilis Nuryani at the Regent's Official Residence complex on Monday, February 23, 2026. 

Committee Chairman Sodikul Anwar attended alongside the Head of Pordasi Kebumen Setyo Mujiono and Acting Head of Ambal District Agung Cahyono to secure full support from the local government.

For the committee, Ambal Horse Racing has surpassed being just a speed race. This event has grown into a Sports Tourism icon attracting national participation. 

This year, around 170 horses from West Java, East Java, DIY (Yogyakarta Special Region), South Kalimantan, to Sulawesi have confirmed their attendance.

“Participants (horses) from outside the region have even started arriving in Ambal. The competing classes remain the same as last year, ranging from Class F (1,000 meters) to the highest class, Open Class A, covering a distance of 2,000 meters,” said Sodikul.

The varied class format ensures the competitiveness of the Ambal track remains high, from the 1,000-meter sprint to the 2,000-meter stamina duel. 

This year, the committee is also increasing the prize value to maintain the prestige of the competition, ensuring it matches similar events in other regions.

Full support came from Regent Lilis. She views this event not just as a sports Sport spectacle, but as a magnet for public entertainment and a driver of the local economy.

“I request that promotion be intensified to entertain the public. Equally important is the safety factor, both for spectators and the security of the horses themselves,” Lilis emphasized.

Safety aspects are a primary concern, both for the thousands of spectators predicted to pack the arena and for the racehorses. Security standards are expected to align with Ambal's reputation as one of the best local tracks in Central Java.

Historically, this track has existed since the 1950s. It is this cross-generational tradition that they now seek to make permanent by establishing it as a fixed track.

“This is a tradition that has existed since my father was a child. Our hope is that if this course is made permanent, the tradition of preservation will be maintained, the economy of local residents will be boosted, and Kebumen's tourism sector will become stronger,” concluded Sodikul.

The Ambal Horse Race 2026 is not just about who reaches the finish line fastest, but a celebration of local identity, a stage for national prestige, and a Sport Tourism strategy.