The draw results for the 69th Arima Kinen horse race, taking place at Nakayama Racecourse on December 22, 2024, were announced on December 19, sending waves of anticipation through the horse racing community. This year’s event features notable competitors, including Urban Chic, the winner of the recent Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger), who has drawn the advantageous position of number three.
Urban Chic, a three-year-old colt trained by Ryo Takei, is producing high hopes for the upcoming race. With four wins out of seven total starts, including victories at both the Kikuka Sho and the G2 St. Lite Kinen, the horse's pedigree (son of Swav Richard and the Harbinger-bred Edge Style) promises strength and competitive advantage. According to reports, Urban Chic’s barrier position holds historical significance, boasting the best odds of success for the third slot, which has seen victory rates of 14.9% historically and 23.9% for placing.
The Arima Kinen, which serves as one of the closing dramatic races for the year, highlights other formidable participants, particularly Do Deuce, who has drawn barrier two. Jockey Christophe Lemaire quipped about the proximity of his draw to the renowned Yuichi Fukunaga, who rides Do Deuce, saying, “I’m next to Yujiro-san,” eliciting laughter from the audience and garnering much chatter among fans.
Lemaire, who has previously piloted other notable horses to Arima Kinen victories, remarked, “Urban Chic has been improving dramatically since autumn, showing potential strong performances”. His optimism stems from this year's Kikuka Sho win, which marked Urban Chic as the horse to beat as they enter the final stretch of the race. Historically, only eight horses have claimed victory at Arima Kinen after winning the Kikuka Sho, with the most recent being Satono Diamond, who triumphed back in 2016.
Another competitive factor involves the pressures of facing off against other accomplished colts and fillies, with Lemaire indicating, “I have confidence I will win.” His enthusiasm reflects his track record and the bond he has built with Urban Chic as they prepare for the Arima Kinen. Their strong partnership displays mastery of the sport, culminating from both extensive preparation and indigenous racing instincts honed over the years by competitive matches on the turf.
Lemaire’s past successes include notable moments, such as the shocking win with Heart's Cry over the heavily favored Deep Impact back in 2005. The Arima Kinen always gathers insights on the various strengths of each jockey and horse, and spectators remain eager to follow the contenders as they gear up for the challenge of this year’s race.
Anticipation builds as fans begin to notice potential rivalries forming, particularly between Lemaire's Urban Chic and Do Deuce, described by Lemaire as having incredible adaptability and burst of speed similar to the legendary Deep Impact. Speculation surrounding their performances shapes narratives among long-time racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Enthusiasts and stakeholders alike yearn for outcomes from their positions to see who might secure the win and etch their name alongside Arima Kinen legends.
While opinions vary and barriers can turn outcomes on their heads, racing analysts are already dissecting the post-draw conversations, including voluntary remarks of readiness by trainers and jockeys. With the excitement surrounding this year’s Arima Kinen, fans tackle their pre-race predictions based on hard-fought histories and carefully considered chances.
Every jockey brings their unique flair to the selections, but the communal nod to Urban Chic can’t be ignored as he prepares to enter the field at Nakayama, where racers have left unforgettable memories running for glory.
This year’s Arima Kinen promises thrilling competition and dramatic finishes, with Urban Chic and Do Deuce leading the charge against rival contenders. The dialogue continues as trainers and commentators provide their thoughts and analysis leading up to race day, fueling the excitement through the final countdown to this grand event.
