The fan-voted Arima Kinen Grand Prix hosts a 2,500-meter-long spectacle every year. The finest of Thoroughbreds and the world’s largest betting horserace makes a well-coveted combination for horse racing enthusiasts to attend. This year, the race proved to be no different. Much rather, went a step ahead to provide one last exciting environment for the audience, the event came back with a marveling display.

On Sunday, the 24th of December, Arima Kinen hosted some of the most celebrated names in a single race. With a prize purse amounting to US$7,585,635, it was quite literally the battle of the best on the fields of Nakayama Racecourse for a year-end thrill.

The finest on the soil lock horns

In a field of 16 on Sunday, 9 of the racers turned out to be Grade 1 winners. According to reports, even 6 of the Top 10 made it to the lineup. But most interestingly, it was a field with 3 Japanese Derby winners. Though the race’s top picks Equinox and Liberty Island missed the party, the ground still stood decorated. Excited on the lineup, TVG took to X to announce the Japan horse racing world’s ultimate showdown. “THREE Japanese Derby winners in ONE race! Tastiera (’23), Do Deuce (’22), and Shahryar (’21) face off against Justin Palace, Sol Oriens, and more in this epic matchup,” the post read.

Alongside the three big names, Tenno Sho Spring winner, Justin Palace, and Japanese 2000 Guineas victor, Sol Oriens made it to the favorites. With Equinox out of the contest, it was a field wide open. Shahryar, who returned from the Hong Kong Vase was revealed to have settled well. Do Deuce, returning 4th from the Japan Cup, was said to have improved according to his trainer. And rising atop his equine shunned Japan’s horse racing scenes.

The horse racing enthusiasts find their champion

Yasuo Tomomichi-trained Do Deuce had a hiccup earlier this season with a miss and a 7th placing. However, come Arima Kinen, the 4-year-old was ready for a comeback. Outriding 4-year-old Stars on Earth, the equine secured a triumph on the Nakayama Racecourse. “He was a little too excited over the course of the race, but I somehow managed to keep him patient. There was a good vibe about him in the fourth turn that made me think it would work out okay,” Jockey Yutaka Take said.

Also Read: Horse Racing World Witness Grade 1 Winner Jockey Conquer ‘Japan’s Biggest’ Showdown

Winning by half a length, Do Deuce secured his third Grade 1 victory recording 2:30.9. The comeback put the 4-year-old right back on the horse racing map leaving chances for further favorites.

Watch this story: Another Horse Racing Icon Bids Adieu to the World, Joining Practical Move and Geaux Rocket