Tesco Gaby

👑 Japan’s Forgotten Queen: The Brief, Brilliant Legacy of Tesco Gaby

Introduction

Among the legends of Japanese horse racing, few stories are as striking—and as tragic—as that of Tesco Gaby. A dominant filly born in 1972, her career was defined by overwhelming victories, dazzling speed, and an untimely death. Though her time on the track was short, her memory lives on as a symbol of brilliance extinguished too soon.

🧬 Pedigree and Early Promise

Tesco Gaby was sired by Tesco Boy, a leading stallion in 1970s Japan whose progeny won nearly every major race except the Japanese Derby. From the moment of her birth, she was considered exceptional, and many were surprised to learn she was a filly, given her powerful build and bold demeanor.

🏇 Early Races and First Dominance

Unrecorded Beginnings

Tesco Gaby debuted in September 1974 in a 1200-meter race, winning by a commanding seven lengths. Though no footage of the race survives, reports indicate it was a comfortable victory. Her second race was another easy win.

Keisei Cup 2-Year-Old Stakes

In her first significant test—the Keisei Cup for two-year-olds—Tesco Gaby showcased her superiority once again, storming home to win by six lengths. The race video from this event captures her raw speed and effortless dominance.

💪 Beating the Boys

In the following year’s Keisei Cup, she was the sole filly in a field of colts. Undeterred, she outran them all and claimed victory, establishing herself as a serious contender for the upcoming classics.

🤝 A Jockey's Dilemma

Before the Tokyo 3-Year-Old Stakes, her regular jockey Sugawara faced a difficult choice. He had the opportunity to ride either Tesco Gaby or another promising horse, Kabraya O, who was stabled at his home barn. Ultimately, Sugawara chose Tesco Gaby—perhaps knowing that turning her down might mean never riding her again.

In the race, Tesco Gaby and Kabraya O battled neck-and-neck down the stretch. In the end, Tesco Gaby finished just behind—her first career defeat.

🌸 Classic Season: A New Record

Hanshin 3-Year-Old Fillies Stakes

Undeterred by the loss, Tesco Gaby returned to win the Hanshin 3-Year-Old Fillies Stakes, an Oka Sho trial race, in record time. Her performance reestablished her dominance leading into the first fillies' classic.

Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas)

On race day, she was a heavy 1.1 favorite. Taking the lead from the start, she widened her advantage to five lengths by the final turn—and then kept accelerating. The announcer, at a loss for words, could only repeat, "She’s far ahead… she’s still going!"

Her official margin of victory was simply listed as “by a wide margin,” but in terms of time, it was 1.9 seconds—a record-setting win.

🥇 The Oaks and Double Crown Glory

After a third-place finish in the Oaks trial—likely due to fatigue from the Oka Sho—questions arose about Tesco Gaby’s stamina over the longer 2400-meter Oaks distance. Still, she entered the race as the favorite, with odds of 2.3.

True to form, she led from the start and pulled away again on the final straight. While not quite as explosive as her Oka Sho win, she still finished a remarkable eight lengths in front, securing the second jewel of the Fillies’ Triple Crown.

A Jockey’s Triumph

Ironically, her rival Kabraya O—ridden by Sugawara in other races—had won the Satsuki Sho and the Derby. Thus, Sugawara had achieved an extraordinary feat: winning four of the five classic races that year between both colts and fillies.

💔 Injury, Tragedy, and Sudden End

While preparing for the Shuka Sho (then unestablished), Tesco Gaby suffered an injury that sidelined her for a year. Her return was in an ungraded race, where she finished sixth. Soon after, she was injured again.

Despite her fragile condition, her owner insisted on keeping her in training. Tragically, while preparing for another race, she suddenly collapsed from a heart attack. It was January 1977. Tesco Gaby was only five years old.

She died without ever producing a foal. Her story, like that of America’s Ruffian, became a poignant reminder of how delicate greatness can be.

Conclusion

Tesco Gaby was a filly of rare power and speed—her brilliance shining brightly and briefly. Though she is often overlooked in racing history, her legacy deserves recognition. Through this tribute, may her name and achievements continue to be remembered by new generations of racing fans around the world.