Eishin Flash ended a dry spell of two years, five months on one of Japanese racing's biggest stages as the Mirco Demuro-ridden 5-year-old won the Tenno-sho under the gaze of the imperial couple on Sunday.
In Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko's first visit to the race in seven years, Demuro and fifth choice Eishin Flash held off favorite Fenomeno by half a length for his first victory since the 2010 Japanese Derby.
Eishin Flash's winning time was 1 minute, 57.3 seconds over the 2,000 meters on firm going at Tokyo Racecourse. Second choice Rulership came in third a length and a quarter behind Fenomeno.