Sarga.co—Behind every horse race lies significant risk, faced by both jockeys and their families. Among those affected are the jockeys’ wives, whose lives are filled with tension, hope, and fear.
One such individual is Erni, the wife of Maikel Soleran, a professional jockey. The Sarga.co team interviewed Erni to shed light on the often unseen aspects of the horse racing world.
A life-changing encounter
“I met Maikel at Pulo Mas in 2012. I knew nothing about horse racing, let alone its risks,” Erni recalled. This meeting introduced her to a new world.
Initially, she perceived horse racing as a sport requiring skill and speed, unaware that each race could endanger both human and equine lives.
“At first, I didn’t understand at all. I thought it was just an ordinary competition. But after getting married, I realized how high the risks were,” she added.
She began to understand that horse racing is not just about winning but also about the courage to face danger.
A test of courage behind the track
Jockey Maikel Soleran is racing on the track.
Source: Sarga.co
One of Erni’s most memorable experiences was witnessing her husband fall during a race. “It was at the turn near the banyan tree. I saw my husband being overtaken by a horse. I wanted to cry, but I remembered his advice to stay calm and pray if something happened.”
Erni restrained herself from rushing to the track, even though her instincts as a wife urged her to check on her husband’s condition. “People around asked why I didn’t go down to the field, but I knew the medical team was already there. I had to remain calm, even though my heart was breaking,” she said softly.
Her anxiety intensified when Maikel competed out of town.
“Once, during the Sawahlunto Derby, there was no live broadcast. Suddenly, someone started a live stream, but the screen was blurry. Then I heard, ‘Oh, that’s jockey Maikel.’ My mind went everywhere,” she recounted.
An ever-present trauma
For Erni, the moments at the start of a race are the most nerve-wracking. “Every time a race begins, I never want to watch directly from the start gate. I always stay still, closing my eyes for a moment until the horse is far away. Only when the horse’s name is mentioned do I feel relieved,” she revealed.
This trauma stems from an incident where her husband was thrown off a horse that collided with the metal at the start gate. “To this day, I still fear seeing my husband’s horse at the start gate,” she added quietly.
Despite all her fears, Erni strives to support her husband. “After every race, I always say, ‘Praise God.’”
The highs and lows of being a jockey’s wife
Living as a jockey’s wife is not easy. On one hand, there’s pride when their husbands achieve victory. On the other hand, there’s an ever-present fear.
“Our adrenaline rises every time a race takes place. We’re afraid something might happen to our husbands. I’m sure other jockeys’ wives feel the same,” Erni expressed.
For Erni, being a jockey’s wife means accepting the risks and learning to provide support in the best way she can.
Love and resilience amidst risk
Erni and jockey Maikel Soleran
Source: Sarga.co
Erni’s story is a true reflection of the love, resilience, and courage of a jockey’s wife. Behind the roaring cheers at the racetrack, there are prayers filled with hope.
“That’s the risk of being a jockey’s wife,” Erni concluded with a meaningful smile. She knows that her journey as a jockey’s wife may not be easy, but her love for her husband gives her the strength to face it all.
