By Dr. Toku Veterinarian & Senior Analyst, Japan Racing Daily
Date: December 29, 2025
What a way to close the curtain on the 2025 JRA season! The atmosphere at Nakayama Racecourse was electric on Sunday for the 70th Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix).
With the year-end championship title and a massive 500 million JPY first prize on the line, it was the 3-year-old colt Museum Mile who rose to the occasion. Under a masterful ride by Cristian Demuro, he stopped the clock at 2:31.5, silencing critics regarding his stamina and proving that the next generation of Japanese thoroughbreds has officially taken over.
🎥 Race Replay
Relive the excitement of the final stretch here:
🩺 Dr. Toku’s Analysis: Physiology Meets Tactics
As a veterinarian, I admit I was one of the skeptics regarding Museum Mile’s ability to handle the grueling 2500m trip at Nakayama. His sire, Leontes, generally passes on speed and power suitable for the mile to 2000m range. However, yesterday, Museum Mile showed us that mental maturity can override pedigree limitations.
1. The Physiology of “Settling”
The key to his victory wasn’t just physical; it was mental. In a 2500m race, energy conservation is everything. If a horse fights the jockey or gets tense, they burn through their glycogen stores too early. Watching the patrol video, Museum Mile was completely relaxed in the pack. C. Demuro did a phenomenal job covering him up. By keeping the horse’s heart rate steady during the first 1000m, he ensured the colt had a full tank of oxygen for that inner loop finish.
2. That Explosive “Suashi” (Late Kick)
When Demuro pulled the trigger on the outside, the reaction was immediate. Biomechanically, this horse possesses incredible flexibility in his stifle joints, allowing for a massive stride extension even after running 2400m. He unleashed the fastest late kick of the field, effectively crushing the older horses. It was a turn of foot that usually belongs to a miler, applied perfectly at a stayer’s distance.
3. The Strength of the 3-Year-Olds
We have to talk about this generation. Winning the Arima Kinen against older G1 winners is a massive physical ask for a 3-year-old, whose skeletal frame is often still filling out. Museum Mile’s victory confirms that the 2022 crop is exceptionally strong. They are physically robust and mentally precocious.
🥈 The Runner-Up: Cosmo Kuranda’s Course Aptitude
We cannot overlook the massive performance by the 12th favorite, Cosmo Kuranda, who finished just 1/2 a length behind.
While the winner used raw explosive power, Cosmo Kuranda used course aptitude. Nakayama is a tricky, tight course that requires a horse to be nimble and balanced through the corners. Cosmo Kuranda is a true “Nakayama Specialist.” His ability to maintain momentum through the tight turns allowed him to get the jump on the favorites. He ran a race to be proud of.
🎙️ Post-Race Interview
Hear thoughts from the winning connections:
Conclusion
The 2025 season concludes with a new star on the throne. Museum Mile has proven he is not just a specialist in shorter distances, but a versatile champion capable of conquering the Grand Prix.
Thank you for reading Japan Racing Daily this year. From a veterinary standpoint, seeing these horses return safe and sound is the biggest win of all.
See you in 2026!
– Dr. Toku
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