7-Year-Old Racehorse Finally Wins Big After 10 Tries

After a decade of trying and plenty of critics saying he wasn't good enough, a 7-year-old racehorse named Skippylongstocking just silenced every doubter with the win of his career.

The son of Exaggerator captured his first Grade 1 victory Saturday at Gulfstream Park's Pegasus World Cup, beating defending champion White Abarrio by 1 ¾ lengths. It was his 11th attempt at racing's highest level after 10 heartbreaking near-misses.

"People were always knocking him, saying he's not a Grade 1, not a Grade 1, and look, he showed up," said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. "He did it in a race that a lot of great horses have won."

Skippylongstocking entered the $3 million race as a 21-1 long shot, despite having won 10 graded stakes races and earning more than $3.7 million in his career. The horse cost just $37,000 when owner Daniel Alonso bought him at a 2021 sale.

Saturday's victory was especially sweet because it came against White Abarrio, his more decorated stablemate who had beaten him in last year's Pegasus World Cup. With jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard, Skippylongstocking patiently waited behind the leaders before rallying in the final stretch to claim victory.

The win earned him more than just bragging rights. Skippylongstocking secured a fees-paid entry into the Breeders' Cup Classic, one of horse racing's most prestigious events.

Why This Inspires

Skippylongstocking's story resonates far beyond the racetrack. In a sport where horses often retire by age 5 or 6, this 7-year-old warrior kept showing up and trying.

His previous close calls included third-place finishes at the 2023 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, the 2024 Stephen Foster Stakes, and last year's Pegasus World Cup. Each time, critics questioned whether he had what it took to win at the highest level.

But his team never stopped believing, and neither did Skippylongstocking. His persistence paid off in spectacular fashion when it mattered most.

Joseph hasn't decided what's next for his champion, with possibilities including the Oaklawn Handicap in April or the Dubai World Cup in March. Whatever comes next, Skippylongstocking has already proven his point.

Sometimes the best victories are the ones you have to fight hardest to achieve.