Regaleira Pips Shahryar in the Arima Kinen to Grab the Win in a Photo Finish

Conquering a nail-biting duel to the finish line, fifth favorite Regaleira became the second 3-year-old filly to win the Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) on Sunday, December 22, matching Star Roch's accomplishment in 1960. 

Regaleira, ridden by Keita Tosaki, won a photo finish over 10th favorite Shahryar (Cristian Demuro's ride) at Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture.

Beating a stellar 15-horse field, which included nine Grade 1 winners, the Suave Richard filly had been winless since claiming the Hopeful Stakes (G1, 2,000 meters) in December 2023. 

Trainer Tetsuya Kimura, who won the Arima Kinen with Equinox in 2022, scored his 11th Japan Racing Association G1 victory following the Shuka Sho with Cervinia on October 13. 

Tosaki, who took the reins of the filly for the first time on this Grand Prix stage, registered his 13th G1 title, his latest being the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) with Justin Milano on April 14. 

It was Tosaki's second Arima Kinen triumph. He rode Gentildonna to victory in 2014.

How Regaleira Won the Arima Kinen

Regaleira was settled off the pace in fifth to sixth the first time in front of the stands with Shahryar traveling two to three lengths behind in mid-division. After steadily cruising down the backstretch, Shahryar gradually made headway from the outside before the third corner while the Suave Richard filly also made bid and slightly shifted out for clear sailing at the final turn. 

Entering the straight in third, the eventual winner was immediately challenged by the 6-year-old son of Deep Impact, who emerged from the outside. And after both unleashed a furious drive and a head-to-head battle all the way to the wire while picking off the tired pacesetter 50 meters out, it was Regaleira who won by a whisker in a breathtaking photo finish. (Watch the race on the JRA's YouTube channel.)

Tosaki Comments on Regaleira's Performance

"I knew a good break was crucial but although we might have been a tad late, we were able to sit in a good position and maintain a smooth run in good rhythm," Tosaki said after the race. "She responded well but the competition was so strong, I couldn't tell at all crossing the wire who'd won."

The winning jockey added, "I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the connections of the filly for giving me the opportunity to ride her today."

Arima Kinen Drama: Danon Decile's Lead Slips Away with 50 Meters Remaining

Second pick and 2024 Tokyo Yushun champion Danon Decile (Norihiro Yokoyama) took the front from the innermost stall to set the slow pace and maintained the lead until 50 meters out. But he was overtaken by the fast-closing Regaleira and Shahryar while securing third place by half a length.

Bellagio Opera (Kazuo Yokoyama, Norihiro's son) finished fourth and Justin Palace (Ryusei Sakai) was fifth.

Race favorite Urban Chic (Christophe Lemaire) missed his break but quickly improved position to sit on the rails in mid-pack. Although hitting the stretch in a good striking position, the 3-year-old chestnut struggled in climbing the hill and finished sixth.

A Look Ahead

The JRA's final G1 race of 2024 is the Hopeful Stakes on Saturday, December 28 at Nakayama Racecourse.

Read the full report, including details on each of the Arima Kinen entrants, on JRA News.

RELATED:

• Arima Kinen Preview: Fan Favorites Set to Compete in Grueling Test on Turf
• Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes: Admire Zoom Storms to Overwhelming Victory
• Yutaka Take Ties Arima Kinen Record with Fourth Victory in the Prestigious Race

Author: JRA News