Ten Happy Rose (Jpn) achieved her first Group 1 victory in the Victoria Mile at Tokyo Racecourse, overcoming odds of 208-1 and securing an automatic entry into the GI Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
‣ Ten Happy Rose (Jpn) achieved her first Group 1 win in the Victoria Mile at Tokyo Racecourse, overcoming odds of 208-1 and securing an automatic berth into the GI Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
‣ The race featured unexpected developments, including the favorite Masked Diva (Jpn) encountering traffic problems, which Ten Happy Rose capitalized on to take the lead in the final 200 meters and win by 1 1/4 lengths.
‣ Ten Happy Rose comes from a notable pedigree, being the most accomplished runner for her dam Fatal Rose (Jpn), and is part of a family that includes U.S. champion grass horse and GI Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Northern Spur (Ire) among its notable members.
Check out that final stretch!
Ten Happy Rose captures the #WinAndYoureIn Victoria Mile and punches her ticket to the #BreedersCup at @DelMarRacing! Congrats to all of the connections! pic.twitter.com/PcoqxMkBeK
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) May 12, 2024
Oh, what a day it was at Tokyo Racecourse! Ten Happy Rose, a name not many had on their betting slips, defied the odds. Big time. We’re talking a jaw-dropping 208-1 upset in the G1 Victoria Mile on Sunday. This chestnut mare, sired by Epiphaneia (Jpn), didn’t just win; she secured a spot in the GI Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Talk about a Cinderella story.
Before this stunner, Ten Happy Rose’s track record was, let’s say, less than stellar. Sixth place here, seventh there. Her last taste of victory? A Listed race back in August 2023. And before that, a win in May 2022. Not exactly the resume of a champion.
But races aren’t won on paper. They’re won on the track. And boy, did she prove that. Starting off with no rush, she lingered at the back. Only three horses were trailing her. The leaders, Conch Shell and Feel Sympathy, set a brisk pace. Meanwhile, Ten Happy Rose bided her time, waiting for the right moment to make her move.
As the race heated up, our underdog began her charge. The final 600 meters were where dreams are made. Despite having seven rivals ahead, she found an ally in chaos. The favorite, Masked Diva, got boxed in. That’s when Ten Happy Rose seized her moment, surging to the front and crossing the finish line with a comfortable lead. Unbelievable.
Akihide Tsumura, the jockey, was in disbelief. This victory was beyond his wildest dreams. He was all gratitude, thanking the fans and hinting at more surprises to come. Could this be the beginning of a fairy tale?
The victory at Victoria Mile isn’t just a personal triumph for Ten Happy Rose. It places her among legends like Vodka and Almond Eye. Plus, it’s a ticket to more prestigious races – the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp and the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois.
And then there’s the tweet that set the racing world abuzz. The Breeders’ Cup shoutout, celebrating Ten Happy Rose’s victory and her upcoming appearance at DelMarRacing. A moment of glory, shared with the world.
Pedigree-wise, Ten Happy Rose comes from a line of noteworthy racers. Her dam, Fatal Rose, was no stranger to the winner’s circle, and her lineage boasts champions and Group winners. This mare’s story is a testament to her breed’s legacy of excellence.
So, there you have it. A day at Tokyo Racecourse that’ll be remembered for ages. Ten Happy Rose, from relative obscurity to the pinnacle of racing. It’s a reminder that in the world of horse racing, anything can happen. And often does.
