A horse with a crazy name race callers fear has won for the first time.
Sumomomomomomomomo, a three-year-old filly, came home in front in a race in Japan.
On the 12th start of her career, she made huge strides at the finish of the event at Tokyo's Oi racecourse – much to the amusement of fans.
As two of her rivals raced clear of the pack, the commentator noticed Sumomomomomomomomo making ground and gave her a mention.
As she had plenty of time to get to the front, he composed himself to talk about the winning late surge.
He even managed to mention the horse's name three times as the runners closed in on the post.
"And here comes Sumomomomomomomomo, coming down to the wire half a furlong left to go. Star Of Bouquet, Sumomomomomomomomo coming across the line. Sumomomomomomomomo in for the victory!" he said.
Japanese television showed the commentator coping admirably with the challenge – and the eighth 'mo' in the horse's name.
Based on a Japanese tongue-twister that means 'plums and peaches are both peaches,' the decision to call the horse such a different name has delighted punters.
TV personalities cheered Sumomomomomomomomo's first victory, while soft toys of the filly have been on sale in the racecourse shop.
Jockey Naoki Machida said support from members of the public aided their cause.
"When you hear cheers like that, it feels great when you're almost at the finish line," Nikkan Sports quoted him as saying.
Twitter users showed their support for the result – and the commentator pulling off the call without a semblance of a mistake.
"She finally won - the horse with the name that makes race commentators cry!" wrote one Twitter user.
"I'm finally able to say it properly," another said.
While a third punter added: "A horse named Sumomomomomomomomo just won a race, those poor announcers."
It is not the first time a horse with an unusual name has caused a stir.
In 2019, Fukuto, pronounced 'Fu-Koo-To,' made his debut for Gloucestershire trainer David Bridgwater.
The name means 'good fortune' in Japanese.
