Trovatore Clinches Epsom Cup in Photo Finish as Former Classic Queen Stellenbosch Makes Dramatic Comeback

On May 9, 2026, the 43rd Epsom Cup (GIII, Turf 1800m) at Tokyo Racecourse delivered a thrilling finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. While the victory went to the second favorite, Trovatore, ridden by Christophe Lemaire, the spotlight of horse racing fans was firmly fixed on the runner-up: the former Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) champion, Stellenbosch.

As the horses charged up the final hill on the homestretch, the race turned into a fierce duel between Trovatore, who surged powerfully from the outside, and Stellenbosch, who unleashed an equally impressive late burst of speed. Following a photo finish, Trovatore was declared the winner by a nose, securing his second consecutive graded stakes victory. Despite the narrow loss, the performance by Stellenbosch—who had seen her popularity drop to fifth favorite—was hailed as a true "revival." Social media was flooded with celebratory comments from fans, with many expressing relief that she had finally "emerged from the tunnel."

Since her victory in the 2024 Oka Sho, Stellenbosch had endured a long period of stagnation, failing to find the winner's circle for quite some time. This race marked her first start since transferring to a new stable, and her performance under jockey Keita Tosaki proved that the former queen has regained her brilliance. The race ended in an upset as the 10th favorite, Regalo del Cielo, took third place, resulting in a trifecta payout exceeding 100,000 yen. Nevertheless, many fans are looking forward to her next outing, with sentiments like "I want to see her win next time" and "I'll keep cheering for her" echoing throughout the racing community.

The context

The Epsom Cup is a Grade III horse race held annually at Tokyo Racecourse, often serving as a key stepping stone for horses aiming for prestigious autumn races. In the world of Japanese horse racing (JRA), the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) is the first leg of the Fillies' Triple Crown and is one of the most prestigious races for three-year-old fillies. When a former Classic winner like Stellenbosch goes through a long slump—a period known as "the tunnel" in Japanese racing slang—their eventual return to form is a major emotional narrative for fans. Additionally, a "stable transfer" (tenkyu) often signifies a fresh start for a horse in hopes of breaking a losing streak, making this performance a significant milestone for her career.

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