On December 22, 2024, during the renowned Arima Kinen horse race, held at the Nakayama Racecourse, DAIGO demonstrated his remarkable insight as both commentator and bettor. The G1 event, noted for its competitiveness, featured DAIGO, who alongside his broadcast duties on Fuji Television's program "Minna no KEIBA," successfully wagered on the outcome, showcasing both his expertise and entertainment prowess.
This year, DAIGO backed the horse Shafriyaal, which came from the outside barrier, echoing his previous choice from last year. He confidently explained his rationale: "G1 all finished within the top 5, showing stability, and the preparation process is completely different from last year. That’s why it seems to be in good shape." By emphasizing Shafriyaal's consistency and favorable condition heading to the race, DAIGO aimed to instill confidence among his viewers and listeners.
Shafriyaal wasn’t DAIGO’s only mention; he also noted Danon Desail, along with Prognozis, outlining his strategy for success when betting on the races. For his final wager, DAIGO placed ¥30,000, deciding on the wide bet of (1)-(16), which included backing his main pick. Despite the victory going to the horse Regaleira, who DAIGO did not initially predict, the payout structure for his bet proved to be lucrative.
The race concluded with the expected excitement, especially for DAIGO, who celebrated the outcome with exuberance. After the race, his efforts paid off handsomely, with bonuses totaling ¥380,000 from his wager, capitalizing on the odds of 19-to-1 for the winning bet combination of (1)-(16). This outcome was significant, allowing DAIGO to report, "I was able to end the year in the plus! I’m glad I believed it." His excitement was palpable as he took to social media to share his victory.
Post-race on X (formerly Twitter), DAIGO couldn't contain his excitement, posting: "This was my second consecutive year ending with a bang! Thank you, Shafriyaal! Horse racing is the best!" His enthusiasm captured the spirit of the community, and fellow fans flooded his post with reactions, recognizing his star quality. Comments ranged from admiration to disbelief, praising his ability to rally back after complicated earlier performances with 49 races leading up to eight wins for the year. "Never would have believed it!" he mentioned, expressing his joy for bettors who took his advice.
Despite earlier lackluster results, where DAIGO held only 57% return rates and accumulated losses of ¥248,200 across the season, the Arima Kinen turned out to be the rebuttal he and his fanbase had been eagerly awaiting. The final race was not just about personal success; it symbolized DAIGO's dedication and influence within horse racing culture, rendering him not merely as a participant, but as a compelling presence. He builds excitement for the sport, and the year’s finale not only established DAIGO as the go-to betting guru but also illustrated the dynamic relationship between commentary and betting success.
His winning style continues to resonate, as evidenced by the overwhelming social media support from fans expressing their respect and admiration. DAIGO's consistent ability to turn around misfortune provides inspiration, as communities rally around his successes, proving he is, as fans note, "the horse racing star who never gives up." This race marks not only the end of the season but also solidifies DAIGO's legacy as the definitive "Arima Man," one who always rises to the occasion.
