Leaving a Legacy of Speed Horse Racing Champion Through Seven Seas Retires After Unfortunate Incident

Last Sunday, December 24, the Grade 1 Arima Kinen took place. It marked the first occurrence in six years that the Arima Kinen coincided with Christmas Eve. With the retirement of the renowned horse Equinox, Titleholder and Liberty Island opting out of the race to rest and recharge, the event presented new opportunities, igniting the aspirations of many. Held at Nakayama horse racing Racecourse, located east of Tokyo, the Arima Kinen unfolded over 2,500 meters of turf.

Sixteen horses, among them nine Grade 1 race champions, competed in this year’s event. Similar to the Takarazuka Kinen, this race allowed fan voting for participants. Notably, it was the first time in the event’s 68-year history that top fan-selected horses were absent. However, amidst these retirements, another top horse also retired.

Unexpected retirement of Through Seven Seas

World Horse Racing recently shared a post on X, featuring Through Seven Seas, a horse renowned for its impeccable riding skills. However, the caption expressed sadness as it announced “𝐀 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬… Arc fourth THROUGH SEVEN SEAS has been retired after suffering a fracture in Sunday’s Arima Kinen. That means that the #QPAT first four have all been retired “.

Despite ranking among the top contenders in this race, the unfortunate injury led to her early retirement. Seven Seas, sired by Dream Journey and out of the Kurofune mare Mighty Slew, was trained by Tomohito Ozeki and raced under the ownership of U Carrot Farm. However, do you happen to know who were the expected top picks in the race?

The top 5 contenders for the Arima Kinen horse racing race

The top 5 picks start with Justin Palace, a 4-year-old colt who has shone with two wins, a second, and a third in Grade 1 races this year, setting the stage for a strong showing in the Arima Kinen. Stars on Earth, a consistent Duramente-sired filly, boasts an impressive record despite setbacks, including a recent third-place finish in the Japan Cup, signalling readiness for the upcoming race under the guidance of trainer Takayanagi

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Through Seven Seas, returning from a commendable fourth-place finish at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe seeks redemption after previous Grade 1 losses. Do Deuce, a promising Heart’s Cry colt, shows potential for improvement, with trainer Yasuo Tomomichi optimistic about his adaptability. Sol Oriens, a solid 3-year-old colt, gears up for Nakayama with confidence under trainer Takahisa Tezuka

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