Controversy Surrounds Sena Style's Priority Entry to Shuka Sho After Rose Stakes Ride

On September 14, 2025, the 43rd Rose Stakes (GII) was held at Hanshin Racecourse. Oaks winner Camnyac, ridden by Yuga Kawada, showcased her dominance and claimed victory. Seventh-favorite Teresa finished second, followed by 10th-favorite dark horse Sena Style, ridden by Yasunari Iwata, who put in a strong run for third place. This performance secured Sena Style a priority entry right for the Shuka Sho, raising expectations for her further success in the main event.

Sena Style, whose dam is Nouveau Record, the 2014 Oaks winner, achieved a top-three finish despite it being only her third career start and her first graded stakes race. She stretched out from the back, weaving through the field. Jockey Yasunari Iwata previously won the Oaks with Sena Style's dam, Nouveau Record, and racing fans expressed their delight at the mother-daughter connection.

However, the race performance itself has sparked controversy. Jockey Yasunari Iwata, who rode Sena Style, was fined a total of 40,000 yen for causing interference by veering both inwards and outwards in the final stretch. On social media, numerous critical comments were posted, pointing out that other horses (such as number 3, number 6, and Dantsu Elan) were affected by this interference, with users describing it as "leaving a bad taste" and "terrible course selection." In particular, questions were raised about Dantsu Elan not being subject to a stewards' inquiry despite stumbling, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction.

While there were harsh criticisms, some voices defended the ride, suggesting it was a necessary move to overcome a difficult situation, stating, "She came in third by taking an incredibly challenging path," and "Without cutting inside, a third-place finish would have been impossible." Others praised her strength, anticipating she might become a "dark horse favorite" for the main event (Shuka Sho). Many posts expressed joy over Sena Style's strong performance from fans who supported her as a POG entry or those who included her in their betting slips as a long shot.

Sena Style, having secured her priority entry, will now advance to the Shuka Sho. Her strong run in the Rose Stakes and the controversy surrounding her ride may influence her future races. Attention will be focused on her performance in her next start and the details of that race.

The Context

To provide a better understanding for non-Japanese readers, here is some background information:

• Rose Stakes (GII): A prestigious graded stakes race (Grade II) held annually in Japan, serving as a key trial race for the Shuka Sho. Top finishers often secure priority entry for the Shuka Sho.
• Shuka Sho (GI): A Grade I race, it is the third and final leg of the Japanese Fillies' Triple Crown, contested over 2,000 meters at Kyoto Racecourse in October.
• Oaks (優駿牝馬, Yushun Himba): A Grade I race, it is the second leg of the Japanese Fillies' Triple Crown, contested over 2,400 meters at Tokyo Racecourse in May.
• POG (Paper Owner Game): A popular fantasy horse racing game in Japan where participants select young horses before their debut and earn points based on their real-life performance.
• 過怠金 (Katakin / Fine): A financial penalty imposed by racing authorities on jockeys, trainers, or other licensed personnel for violations of racing rules, such as interference or improper riding.
• 斜行 (Shako / Interference/Veering): A racing infraction where a horse or jockey deviates from a straight course, potentially obstructing, hindering, or endangering other horses.
• 優先出走権 (Yusen Shusshuken / Priority Entry Right): A special privilege granted to horses that perform well (e.g., finish in the top 2 or 3) in designated trial races, allowing them automatic entry into a major target race (like the Shuka Sho), regardless of their prize money or other entry criteria.