Trained by Graham Motion, the stable’s horses Test Score and One Stripe put on an impressive performance on Sunday by finishing first and second in the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
“Both horses look fantastic,” Motion said. “I think One Stripe might be a bit frustrated after the loss, but they both feel excellent.”
Following some difficulties in the Hollywood Derby (G1) on November 29, Amerman Racing’s 4-year-old homebred Test Score closed the race just under a length behind the winner. With jockey Manny Franco aboard, Test Score managed to hold off a dramatic late surge from One Stripe, securing his second G1 victory and pushing his career earnings beyond $2 million.
“I watched the race multiple times,” Motion revealed. “It was hard to watch initially. I was focused on One Stripe heading down the stretch and didn’t realize Test Score was the horse he was about to catch. It felt almost surreal.”
The 5-year-old One Stripe, owned by Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam and a two-time Group 1 winner in South Africa under jockey Gavin Rellena, found himself in the middle of the turf course during a fierce final charge.
“Gavin mentioned that around the three-eighths pole, One Stripe got a bit tight and spooked, which slowed him down. It took him some time to straighten up and switch leads. That’s probably why he ended up so far wide on the track. But it was a courageous performance,” Motion said.
“Both jockeys were outstanding. Manny just had the perfect trip,” he added. “Test Score is very resilient and always gives it his all. He’s tough and competitive, though gentle in the mornings.”
Motion is still considering the future race plans for both horses. He noted that Test Score, a son of Lookin’ at Lucky, has raced nine times over seven different tracks within 11 months, with eight of those races as a 3-year-old. Because of this, Test Score will get some rest but may return to compete in the 1.5-mile $1 million Turf Classic (G1) on May 2, which takes place on the Kentucky Derby undercard.
“We’re definitely going to give him a break. A race like the Turf Classic on Derby Day makes sense given the distance, prize money, and timing,” Motion said.
Meanwhile, One Stripe may target races like the 1.4-mile Arlington Million (G1) at Colonial Downs in August. Pegasusturf notched his first North American win in a one-mile optional claiming race on December 26, his second start in the championship event.
“I believe a mile and a quarter is well within One Stripe’s ability. I’m thinking of aiming for a summer race like that, though I haven’t finalized his next start,” Motion explained. “We hadn’t planned beyond the Pegasus for either of them, and we won’t rush their return. One Stripe has had two solid outings here, so he’ll also get some time off.”
He added, “We’ve had interest from an unusually large audience. Being on national TV is different but rewarding. I’m very pleased with the South African team; they truly believe in this horse and he’s proven his worth. I couldn’t be prouder of Test Score either. We’ve been fortunate with him and Trikari, and it’s a privilege to bring great horses to Mr. Ammerman.”
This article was first published on January 25, 2026, by Paulick Report.
Fan Take: This strong one-two finish by Test Score and One Stripe highlights the rising competition and international talent enriching North American turf racing. It signals exciting future matchups and growing global interest that could elevate the sport’s profile and thrill fans worldwide.
