Arima Kinen

The Arima Kinen is a Grade 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for open class stayers at Nakayama racecourse conducted by the Japan Racing Association.

The Arima Kinen is run over 2500m. It was first run in 1956 and was won by Meiji Hikari.

Originally only open to Japanese horses, in 2000 a Japan Cup winner was allowed and then in 2007, when it attained international Group 1 status, more overseas horses are allowed to run.

The Arima Kinen was worth JPY1,085,000,000 in 2023.

Nakayama is a right handed course with the 2500m start entering the home running.

The way the field is determined is the vast majority are voted on by fans and then the remainder are from prizemoney earned from the next nominated horses.

Regarding the vote leaders, eight times recently that horse has gone on to win the race with Efforia the most recent.

Six horses have won two Arima Kinens with the most famous of late being Orfevre (2011 & 2013).

You won't see a more impressive winner than the 5L romp by Lys Gracieux at her last run coming off her 2019 Cox Plate victory.

Equinox has been a global star including his big win in this race in 2022.

Three year olds have a tremendous record with 13 winners in the last 30 years, but 7 of the last 14.

Yasutoshi Ikee has won 4 runnings as trainer in the last 15 years. Yutaka Take joined Kenichi Ikezoe with 4 winners as a rider. Take's span of winners were 33 years apart.

Notable winners of the Arima Kinen include Do Deuce (2023), Equinox (2022), Chrono Genesis (2020), Lys Gracieux (2019), Kitasan Black (2017), Gentildonna (2014), Orfevre (2011/2013), Deep Impact (2006), Heart's Cry (2005), Zenno Rob Roy (2004), Symboli Kris S (2002/2003), T M Opera O (2000), Grass Wonder (1998/1999), Tokai Teio (1993), Oguri Cap (1988/1990), Symboli Rudolf (1984/1985) and Speed Symboli (1969/1970).

The 2023 Arima Kinen was won by Do Deuce from Stars On Earth and Titleholder.