Japanese horse racing enthusiasts are set to celebrate the return of the prestigious G1 Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) on Sunday, December 28th, following the Hopeful Stakes the previous day. This event, marking the 70th edition of the race, will take place at Nakayama Racecourse with a full lineup of 16 horses out of 22 hopefuls competing over 2,500 meters of turf for the highest prize money in Japan, boasting a first place prize of 500 million yen and total purse of 1.09 billion yen, rivaling the Japan Cup.
Fan voting plays a key role in shaping the race, and this year, last year’s champion Regaira topped the poll with over 612,700 votes, more than triple the previous year, making her the most anticipated competitor. Joining Regaira from the top 10 fan picks are Meisho Tabaru, Justin Palace, Museum Mile, Danon Desir, and Redentor.
The Arima Kinen course starts at the end of the backstretch just before the far curve on the outer track, challenging wide-drawn horses to quickly find position in the arena, which accommodates a maximum of 16 runners. The horses pass the grandstand and circle back, tackling a demanding uphill stretch that rises 2 meters within 150 meters before the finish line, and a second hill mid-race that tests their stamina and skill.
Open to horses aged three and older, including geldings, the race assigns 56 kilograms to the younger stallions and fillies entered this year, while others carry 58 kilograms. The race is scheduled as the 11th event on the Nakayama card at 3:40pm.
Featured horses include Regaira, a recent three-time G1 winner who is seeking to become the first filly or mare to win the Arima Kinen consecutively. Danon Desir, a 4-year-old colt with two Group 1 victories including the Tokyo Yushun and Dubai Sheema Classic, aims to improve on his third-place finish here last year. Museum Mile, winner of this year’s Satsuki Sho, is eyeing his second major title, having had a promising but injury-shortened career. Meisho Tabaru returns after a career-defining win at the Takarazuka Kinen, and multiple G1 winner Justin Palace prepares for what could be his final race at Arima. Shin Emperor, noted for his international experience and tenacity, also brings strong prospects.
Additionally, Admire Terra, who carries a 58kg handicap after an earlier incident, and tastierra, who won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong but had mixed results recently, add depth to the competitive field.
This year’s Arima Kinen is highly anticipated for its star-studded lineup and the challenge of its turf course, promising thrilling competition and remarkable displays of endurance and strategy.
Fan Take: This race is a significant highlight on the horse racing calendar, showcasing Japan’s top equine and jockey talent in a fan-driven spectacle. The outcome could redefine legacies and inspire future innovation and excitement in the sport globally, energizing the fan base and elevating the profile of Japanese racing worldwide.
