The 69th Arima Kinen, the grand finale of the Japanese racing season, took place on December 22, 2024, at the Nakayama Racecourse, located in Chiba Prefecture. This year’s race was marked by thrilling competition and historical significance as Legaleira, ridden by the talented Keita Tosaki, emerged victorious, achieving what no 3-year-old filly had done since 1960.
Under sunny skies and to the cheers of 54,505 enthusiastic spectators, Legaleira secured her win by the narrowest of margins—just 0.018 meters (approximately 18 centimeters)—over the formidable Shahriyar, ridden by seasoned jockey Christian Demuro. The race concluded with Legaleira clocking a time of 2 minutes and 31.8 seconds.
The atmosphere was electric as the horses thundered down the final stretch, and the outcome was uncertain even to those involved. “I didn’t know if we had won. It was really tough,” reflected Tosaki after the race, his emotions clear as he engaged with the energetic crowd. The victory was not just another win; it marked Legaleira’s second G1 title, adding to her previous triumph at the Hopeful Stakes last December.
This year’s Arima Kinen was particularly memorable for its dramatic finish and for breaking the long-standing drought of 3-year-old filly winners. Tetsuya Kimura, Legaleira's trainer, expressed pride not only for their immediate success but for what it signifies for the future: "There’s still growth to come from Legaleira. I want to support her development as she leads the JRA (Japan Racing Association) going forward."
Shahriyar, who finished second, also had notable moments during the race, showing great promise. “I think it was my best condition among the horses I rode,” Demuro confidently stated following the race, having felt the powerful pull of competition as they surged forward together.
Urban Chic, who was expected by many to dominate, failed to capitalize on early chances and instead ended up sixth, leaving many of his supporters disheartened. His jockey, Christophe Lemaire, lamented the unexpectedly slow pace, stating, “If the pace had been faster, I believe we could have produced a much different result.”
The evening served not just as a showcase of talent but also as reinforcement of the competitive nature of the sport. Among other participants, Danon Desail and Bella Gio Opera also put forward respectable performances, landing third and fourth, respectively. Each jockey echoed sentiments of pride and determination, reflecting on how they performed on the day.
The race has left spectators and participants alike hopeful for next year’s events, as Tosaki described feeling, "This victory meant so much to me personally; I never thought I would be able to experience this thrill again. It only motivates me to achieve more."
Legaleira’s win is being hailed as not just another achievement but as part of the narrative of resilience and effort put forth by countless horsemen over the past 64 years. Known for her gentle nature but fierce competitive spirit, Legaleira is being compared to past champions like Gentildonna. Both horses embody strength and sheer willpower within the difficult climate of horse racing.
The conclusion of the 2024 Arima Kinen has set the stage for what is next to come for Legaleira and her team. With 2025 approaching, attendees and commentators share excitement about her future possibilities. Kimura’s vision for Legaleira hints at her potential to continue paving the way for fillies within the Japanese racing world, noting, “I assure you, she’s just at the beginning of her story.”
This year’s race continued to deliver high stakes drama and underscored the rich history of competition on Japanese tracks, proving once again why the Arima Kinen remains one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar.
