The 2024 Arima Kinen Race, one of Japan's most celebrated horse racing events, unfolded with unexpected twists and compelling performances, particularly following the last-minute withdrawal of the heavily favored Do Deuce due to injury. This year's race not only showcased the intense competition characteristic of the Arima Kinen but also set the stage for new champions to emerge, marking significant moments for established runners.
With Do Deuce out, the atmosphere shifted from anticipation of his expected triumph to one of unpredictability. Urban Chic, this year’s Kikka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) champion, emerged as the front-runner among the competing horses, bolstered by the notable skills of jockey Christophe Lemaire. According to Sports Nippon, Lemaire remarked, “The absence of Do Deuce changed the dynamics significantly, allowing other horses to have their moment.” This opening allowed other competitors to jockey for position more aggressively.
Among those competing were Danon DeSail and Legareira, both of whom had demonstrated strong previous performances. Danon DeSail, known for his strategic running style, took early leadership during the race. His trainer, Shogo Yasuda, praised his approach but acknowledged the uncertainties of the competition: “We were confident, but the race's flow is always unpredictable.”
The race itself began with slightly staggered starts, leading to exciting positioning as the horses entered their respective lengths. Urban Chic and another competitor struggled initially, positioning laterally behind the pack as the pace was steadily maintained by Danon DeSail. While onlookers noted the usually quick-paced environment, the lighter pace allowed competitors like Legareira, not historically renowned for starting strong, to push forward strategically. The 1000m time was marked at 62.9 seconds, which many found slow.
Legareira eventually made her move, initially trailing but rapidly gaining ground as the horses approached the final bend. This pivotal moment captivated the crowd, highlighting her transformation and readiness to contest for the lead. Trainer Tetsuya Kimura emphasized her growth throughout the season, stating, “It was great racing, and I think Legareira showed tremendous improvement.” This assertion rang true as she surged forward, hitting her strides perfectly just as the race's tempo shifted.
By the final stretch, the competition heated up. Legareira emerged neck-and-neck with her closest competitor, Shafriyar, both jockeys urging their mounts on with all their might. The race crescendoed as they both flew down the homestretch, fighting hard for first place. Displaying remarkable acceleration and endurance, Legareira's final push secured her victory by just a nose, writing her name as the champion of this historic race.
Finishing just behind, Shafriyar’s performance was also commendable. Competing from the unfavorable 16th gate position, he managed to improve upon last year's finish and left onlookers spellbound. “He showed exceptional talent today,” remarked his jockey, Christian Demuro, reflecting on their efforts.
Meanwhile, Urban Chic, backed by significant public support, finished sixth—a disappointing outcome for those who expected more. Lemaire expressed his frustrations, noting, “Urban Chic was not able to adapt to the race's pace as expected. If the pace had flowed more, we could have done much more.” Urban Chic, still seen as a competitor for future Charlotte Cup races, has been marked as one to watch for the coming season.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Legareira’s win, it is notable to point out she is the first female horse to achieve victory at the Arima Kinen since the great Lise Gracieuse in 2019. The magnitude of this accolade undoubtedly sets high expectations for her continued performance moving forward. Kimura remarked on this ground-breaking moment, saying, “Legareira might just be the horse to lead the JRA (Japan Racing Association) next year.”
Even more exciting is the fact this year marks the first time since 2018, when Blast Onepiece took the title, for any horse not to have claimed any G1 victories prior to winning the Arima Kinen. Amid the growing excitement of racing fans, Legareira's progression and future remain playful speculation; her legacy competes alongside the historical giants of the sport. If past patterns are any indication, the stakes and excitement surrounding her performance will undoubtedly make waves leading up to future competitions.
Racing enthusiasts worldwide await to see if she can follow through on expectations and possibly set new records next season. With the outcome of this year's race igniting potential hopes for rivalries and legendary storylines, the 2024 Arima Kinen promises to preserve the legacy of horse racing with renewed vigor and anticipation.
