The 2026 Derbystoet was captured by Meditate (Stefan P Pettersson), who stormed to victory under the guidance of Mats E Djuse over the 2,640-meter autostart distance at Jägersro. The four-year-old daughter of Greenshoe out of Amity Kronos (Muscle Hill) capitalized fully on a chaotic start that saw four leading contenders break stride right away. The win, worth 1.5 million SEK, sealed a classic effectively decided in the very first strides.
Pre-race favorite Bonsse Garde (Fredrik Wallin), driven by Carl Johan Jepson and backed at roughly 34 percent, went off stride immediately behind the gate. Three more followed suit: Hankypanky Leonie, Peggy Boko, and Global Good News. "This is unheard of, seeing four horses take themselves out right away," expert analyst Jennifer Tillman noted on the live broadcast. Commentator Robin Hedström chimed in: "What is happening here?"
With four horses effectively eliminated in the opening meters, the race was blown wide open for the outsiders. Meditate, sent off at nine percent, seized the opportunity with both hands. Mats E Djuse worked out a textbook trip for the mare, and down the lane she had plenty in reserve to hold off the late challengers. Earlier this season, Meditate finished fifth in the Stochampionatet, a bold effort that had already hinted at her classic credentials.
Nyharajah (Thomas Dalborg), trained by Henrik Nyberg, rallied for second. Third prize went to Jiovanha Falkone in the hands of Örjan Kihlström. The winner stopped the clock in 1:11.9 over the staying distance. Contested annually at Jägersro since 1991, the Derbystoet is Sweden's premier classic for four-year-old mares, boasting past champions such as Lara Boko (2022) and Honey Mearas (2021).
Trainer Stefan P Pettersson was on cloud nine following the victory in the 36th edition. "I couldn't be happier right now. She is so damn smart on the track and battles all the way through to the wire; she's an absolute joy," Pettersson remarked afterwards. Caretaker Martina Lundin was equally moved: "I'm just in seventh heaven. She's strong, tough, and has her own distinct personality."
For Mats E Djuse, it marked an extraordinary triumph on an unforgettable afternoon for the Djuse family at Jägersro. Earlier on the card, his brother Magnus A Djuse captured the Svenskt Travderby behind Mellby Narrow. That made it a remarkable Group 1 double for the family on the very same day at the Malmö oval.
