French jockey Lemaire, who won his first Arima Kinen aboard Heart's Cry in 2005, steers race favorite Equinox to his second Grade 1 victory this year.
Trainer Tetsuya Kimura is hoping Equinox can replicate his winning form from October, when he produced a come-from-behind victory in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Since last year's Arima Kinen, Efforia has struggled to produce successful results in races. But trainer Yuichi Shikato believes he's now on the right track.
The 16 nominees boast six runners from the fans’ top choices, including Titleholder, Efforia and Equinox for the 67th running of the Arima Kinen.
Takeshi Yokoyama and the 3-year-old bay colt made a strategic late surge and took the lead with about 4 seconds remaining.
The lucrative race delivers a high-profile event to cap the Japanese racing calendar each year.
Fresh off his Tenno Sho (Autumn) triumph, Efforia races toward the title of Grand Prix Horse at full strength.
Christophe Lemaire and the grey mare rode an eye-popping burst of speed over the final 300 meters and cruised to victory.
Chrono Genesis collected her third Grade I victory on Sunday, December 27 in dramatic fashion, galloping to the finish and winning by the length of a...
