The 2024 Arima Kinen race card announcement sparked excitement among horse racing fans as the draw was held on December 19 at Nakayama Racecourse. The event is set to take place on December 22, where top contenders will compete for a prize purse of ¥500 million.
This year marks the 69th edition of the Arima Kinen, one of Japan's most prestigious races with the course laid out at 2500 meters. Notably, the draw attracted significant attention as Dou Deuce, last year's champion, solidified his position as one of the frontrunners with favorable odds and extensive fan support.
According to reports, Dou Deuce garnered 478,415 fan votes, marking the highest total ever recorded for the event. This impressive feat positions him not only as the favorite but also as the potential12th horse to achieve back-to-back victories and the third to win the Fall Triple Crown.
During the draw, Dou Deuce was assigned the second position from the inside, starting from gate 2. Jockey Yuichi Furuya expressed confidence, stating, "It’s great to be competing against such strong horses this year," highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming race.
Following Dou Deuce, Danon Desail secured the first gate position. His trainer, Takashi Yamamoto, remarked, "Our goal is to end this season on a high note," indicating high hopes for the young competitor, who already has the title of 2024 Japanese Derby champion under his belt.
Next came Urbansick, who is aiming to improve upon his last performance. Blessed with talented jockey Christophe Lemaire aboard, he drew the third position, and Lemaire commented, "Racing here is always intense, and I feel the pressure to perform," reflecting the weight of expectation with the big names competing.
The draw also revealed positions for illustrious competitors such as Shafriyar, who took the final outside barrier at gate 16, and Stellar Rose, last year's runner-up, who will start from gate 7. Trainers commented on their horses' preparedness and strategies for the race, enriching the stakes for this high profile event.
The structure of the race entails 16 strong competitors, including other notable challengers such as Deep Bond and Justin Palace, both also equipped with past accolades and significant racing experience. Their placement during the draw is already shaping tactics for the finale of the JRA season.
Observing the excitement from both fans and participants, Kyodo News reported quotes from trainers indicating their readiness for the challenge. Tomomichi Kurita, Dou Deuce's trainer, remarked, "I hope for good results from this draw," encapsulating the universal desire for triumph among the competitors.
The finale will commence at 15:40 on December 22, 2024, gathering racing fans not only for the spectacular show of talent but also for the culmination of the horse racing season. This year's race promises to deliver thrills, with the best of the best converging at Nakayama.
With thoroughbred racing’s richest stakes on the line and history waiting to be made, the Arima Kinen is the ultimate test for these elite competitors. Fans can anticipate fierce competition and amazing athleticism on race day as these horses vie for glory.
Mark your calendars, as this year's Arima Kinen is not just another race; it’s a spectacle of sport, passion, and tradition.
