On January 5, 2025, Al-Naaseem emerged victorious at the 74th Nakayama Kinen held at Nakayama Racecourse, marking his second graded stakes triumph. The 6-year-old horse, ridden by jockey Yusuke Fujioka, pulled away decisively from the competition to finish with a winning time of 1 minute and 58.1 seconds.
Starting as the fourth favorite, Al-Naaseem managed to outpace the sixth favorite, Meinel Mont, by one and one-quarter lengths, with Born This Way, the eighth favorite, taking third place another length behind. Notably, other highly regarded contenders such as Christmas Parade and Ho O Biscuit finished fourth and ninth, respectively. Meanwhile, revered entry Thin Ryokuka struggled and ended up in twelfth.
This victory not only solidified Al-Naaseem's reputation but also stands as Fujioka's first graded stakes win of the year, adding significant prestige to both the horse and rider. The race was marked by strategic performances, particularly from Al-Naaseem, whose mid-field positioning allowed him to capitalize effectively when the final stretch came. His success can be attributed to his powerful closing speed, particularly evident when he surged past rivals who faltered under pressure.
This win has garnered attention as it positions Al-Naaseem favorably within the competitive field of thoroughbred racing, especially considering his lineage — he is sired by the prolific Maurice. Following the race, jockey Yusuke Fujioka expressed his excitement, stating, "This victory marked Al-Naaseem's second graded stakes win," and hinted at aspirations for future races. Fujioka's prowess as a jockey has been showcased throughout the competition circuit, and this win reaffirms his tactical skill and rapport with Al-Naaseem.
The Nakayama Kinen is notable not only for its rich history but also for the variety of competitors it attracts, presenting challenges to both seasoned horses and rising stars. The racecourse's unique characteristics have been known to influence race outcomes, with particularly strong performances typically noted from horses positioned favorably along the track's inner lines.
Analysts have high hopes for Al-Naaseem's future, considering the horse's continued development and the recent spike seen from both him and Fujioka. With the Nakayama Kinen now behind them, it's anticipated both will continue to compete at high stakes, with more races on the horizon demanding equal intensity and focus.
For fans and bettors alike, the triumph of Al-Naaseem at Nakayama serves as both a thrilling conclusion to the year-starting events and initiation of new opportunities for the racing scene. Looking forward, the anticipation of future races where he may again take the stage is palpable throughout the community.
Overall, the Nakayama Kinen result marks not just another win but symbolizes the relentless spirit and competitiveness of thoroughbred racing, which continues to draw both participants and audiences alike. With spotlight moments like this, the sport remains vibrant and compelling.