IT is a rare occurrence for racing in the JRA that two Group 1 contests on the flat and a further J-Group 1 were held over jumps were run on the same weekend.

Usually, the most anticipated race in the JRA, the Group 1 Arima Kinen is the closing spectacle of the racing season and year. Held at Nakayama Racecourse, the Arima Kinen competes with the Japan Cup and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) for the biggest race of the year. This comparison is made in terms of betting turnover and attendance.