Along the lines of “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is Diva Ek IT. The runner-up in the 2025 MGM Yonkers International Trot has accepted an invitation to this year’s Grade 1 event on Sept. 12 at MGM Yonkers Raceway.

Representing Italy, Diva Ek was hardly at fault when finishing second behind Lexus Kody in the million-dollar race last year. The mare had to start from the difficult outside post eight in the field of 10 and was able to close from last – including making up nearly seven lengths in the final quarter-mile – to lose by just a half-length.

“Last year was an amazing race and she loves to race like that [from behind]. Even in her last Grade 1 win she raced the same, with a super final burst,” said Alessandro Gocciadoro, who drives and trains for owners Antonio Nucera and Effebi Srl.

Since her 2025 appearance in the United States, Diva Ek returned to Europe and has won three of six starts, including capturing the Group 1 Findlandia Ajo in May. The Trixton-Nike Ek mare made the Elitloppet final but finished sixth behind Allegiant in her world record mile.

Just this past Sunday (July 19), Diva Ek went to the front in the St. Michael Ajo Trot in Finland and battled with Don Fanucci Zet early before succumbing in the stretch to Swedish-bred Kuiper at the mile distance (1,609 meters).

“Diva Ek was amazing yesterday. The track was very heavy. It was a cold and rainy day,” said Gocciadoro. “With that heavy track, she was a little bit tired the last 100 meters, but we were very happy with her performance. She always races on a high level.”

Diva Ek has 23 wins in 47 career starts and earnings of just under $800,000 USD. The seven-year-old has one more race in Östersund (Sweden) on Aug. 8 before shipping to the United States for the MGM Yonkers International Trot.

Gocciadoro, who won the 2023 MGM Yonkers International Trot with Vivid Wise As, appreciates the race and its worldwide appeal.

“The International Trot is such an amazing experience that we love to participate in it every year," said Gocciadoro. "The organization is fantastic and it is a beautiful atmosphere.”

Diva Ek joins Swedish-bred Bourbonista in the lineup for the International Trot. More invitations will be extended soon to complete the 10-horse field. The race will be the focal point of a stellar card on Sept.12 that starts at 11:50 a.m. and includes the $2.4 million USD New York Sire Stakes finals for two and three-year-olds, as well as a pair of $200,000 USD Invitationals – Bob Miecuna Trot and Aria Pace.

(With files from Yonkers Raceway)