The 69th Arima Kinen horse race, one of Japan’s premier racing events, unfolded at Nakayama Racecourse on December 22, 2024, at 3:40 PM JST. This year’s race drew significant attention not only for its competitive spirit but also for the unexpected twists leading up to it, creating immense excitement among racing fans.
Hosted live on NHK and Fuji TV's popular program "Minna no KEIBA," the race showcased nine G1 winners, creating what was described as one of the most glamorous matchups. Fans had initially pegged Dou Deuce as the favorite, but the horse’s withdrawal two days prior left many wondering who would take the crown.
Among those closely following the race was DAIGO, the renowned musician and TV personality who served as the MC for the event. Known for his insightful picks, he confidently placed his bets, picking the horse Shafriyaal as his main choice, citing, "This horse has shown consistency, finishing within the top five of all G1 races. The training process this year is very different from last year, and it looks to be in good shape," during the broadcast.
His support came along with other contenders, including Danon Desail and the dark horse Legareira—ranked fifth among participants. The atmosphere was electric as fans settled in, eager to see how this unexpected turn of events would impact the field.
When the gates swung open, the race quickly proved thrilling. Legareira and Shafriyaal emerged as the frontrunners, battling neck and neck for the finish line. It was not just any race but one filled with emotional stakes—especially for DAIGO, who had pledged his support and betting confidence to Shafriyaal. The photo finish revealed Legareira narrowly clinching victory, making history as the second three-year-old filly to win since Starlotschi did so back in 1960. Shafriyaal took second place, with Danon Desail rounding out the top three.
DAIGO could hardly contain his excitement, exclaiming on his Instagram following the event, "I can’t believe it! The horse really delivered during its retirement race! I’m so moved!" His success was echoed by fans and friends who celebrated this thrilling outcome with him, generating comments like, "You did it! What a finale!" and expressing their admiration for DAIGO's consistent track record.
The race's viewership surged, reaffirming the Arima Kinen's reputation as one of the most anticipated events on Japan’s racing calendar. The thrill of seeing top horses clash and the unpredictable nature of horse racing help maintain its popularity—a sentiment echoed by DAIGO when he reflected on the overarching excitement: "Horse racing is the best!"
Whether you're new to the scene or a seasoned viewer, the Arima Kinen exemplifies the emotion and unpredictability of horse racing. Each year, it captures the hearts of spectators, allowing them to dream about their favorites, witness spectacular moments, and even experience the joy of victory—just as DAIGO did this year.
For DAIGO, his win signified more than just financial gain. With 38 million yen returned for his winning bet, he reflected on the excitement, posting: "Three years later, I struck gold again! Everyone was thrilled! Thank you, Shafriyaal, for the amazing performance!" The sense of connection between fans and their chosen horses elevated the day from just another event to something far more significant.
Overall, the 2024 Arima Kinen not only delivered outstanding performances on tracks but also created stories of triumph, resilience, and joy among enthusiasts, culminating once again as the crowning highlight of the horse racing season.
