She's strong stuff, that Vodka! Incredulous fans were reeling Sunday as a filly named Vodka delivered a knockout punch to capture the Nippon Derby by a jaw-dropping 3 lengths. Putting the boys firmly in their place, Vodka, the first filly to run in the Derby in 11 years, became the first filly in 64 years to win it.
Jockey Hirofumi Shii reacts after his horse Vodka wins the 74th Nippon Derby on Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse.
KYODO PHOTODisbelief and awe swept over the crowd as Vodka pulled out with 400 meters to go, swept forward and powered decidedly into the lead with a dozen strides left to the finish. The rest of the 18-strong field appeared to have lost its equilibrium as the daughter of 2002 Derby winner Tanino Gimlet went unchallenged to the line. Asakusa Kings, who had led the race from the gate, took second place, with Admire Aura in third a length and three-quarters later.