Chapter 58: The Arima Kinen — King’s Resolve

The grand finale of the racing year — one of the two Grand Prix races that define the season. Held at Nakayama on turf over 2,500 meters, it’s the ultimate stage where the strongest Uma Musume clash for glory. Only one can stand at the top and smile in victory.

"Who will the goddess of victory smile upon today!? The stands are overflowing as countless fans gather to witness how this legendary race will unfold!"

"There are even more spectators than expected! Entry restrictions are already in place, and it seems many of the live-viewing events around the venue are completely sold out!"

Thankfully, we’re seated in the “related personnel” section. If we weren’t, it would’ve been absolute chaos.

When I look toward the turf, I spot King Halo standing there—her expression tense and focused.

"Let’s introduce the Uma Musume running today. First up, one of the Golden Generation—Seiun Sky! Known as a bit of a trickster, will she surprise the audience once again today?"

"She left a strong impression with that record-breaking victory in the Kikuka-shō. Her condition seems perfect—definitely one to watch!"

"She tends to perform well in long-distance races too, so expectations are high!"

"Indeed. Last year, despite being the top favorite in the Arima Kinen, she finished fourth. Hopefully, she’ll get her revenge this time!"

Seiun Sky glances at the stands and gives a lazy wave.

Yeah, she looks good. When Seiun Sky acts that laid-back, it usually means she’s in top form. Looks like she’s finally broken through her wall.

Next up—El Condor Pasa. She gave up her overseas campaigns, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, to focus on domestic races, and her record since then has been nothing short of brilliant. As expected of her.

"The ‘Giant Bird’—El Condor Pasa! Will she once again seize first place with her overwhelming power?"

"She’s known for her strong, forceful running style. Nakayama’s turf tends to get rough this time of year, so the course should suit her perfectly."

That red racing outfit of hers is so cool. I get it—my own uniform has a red cape too. It pops, and it lifts your mood. Red just has that power.

"And in third place in the popularity ranking, we have this Uma Musume—King Halo!"

"In her last race, the Mile Championship, she showed incredible late speed to overtake even Mihono Bourbon at the finish line. Normally, a mile race winner wouldn’t attract this much attention in a long-distance event, but…"

"King Halo is also part of the Golden Generation! And given her solid results in long-distance races, it’s no wonder expectations are sky-high!"

"She’s also won the Hopeful Stakes, proving she’s not limited to short or mile distances. That versatility might be fueling her popularity today."

For King, this is the final race of the Twinkle Series.

It’s also her last chance to challenge the Golden Generation once more. No matter how it ends, I just hope she runs without regret. Maybe that’s selfish of me, but that’s how I feel.

"King Halo… that performance in the Mile Championship was astonishing. But will it hold up over 2,500 meters?"

"Yeah, that’s the real question. I can’t even keep my focus at anything longer than a mile myself, so who knows?"

Still, third favorite—that’s quite the recognition for King.

"And the second favorite—this Uma Musume, Special Week! Another member of the Golden Generation!"

"She left a strong impression in the Japan Cup. That one race where she showed Japan’s pride—many were deeply moved."

"That performance surely contributed to her ranking as the second favorite! Will she show that same spirit here at the Arima Kinen?"

I heard Special Week had put on some weight, but she doesn’t look that different.

…Though, considering she got banned from that all-you-can-eat place recently, yeah, she’s definitely been eating plenty.

And now, the big favorite—the one everyone’s been waiting for. The Uma Musume returning triumphantly to the turf raises her voice.

"And the top favorite—Grass Wonder! Though she struggled a bit in the Yasuda Kinen, since returning to middle-distance races she’s been nothing short of phenomenal!"

"Indeed. There were times we worried about her—rumors of injury and all—but those fears proved unfounded. She’s regained her overwhelming strength."

Grass Wonder—last year’s Arima Kinen champion, nicknamed “The Phoenix.”

"Guess the mile distance really was tough for her, huh?"

"I don’t think that’s it. Watching her run, it didn’t seem impossible for her. If she wanted to, she could probably handle short distances too."

"I’m just glad Grass Wonder didn’t drop down to the sprint division. That would’ve made things even more hellish for us."

I can spot Opera O and Doto among the lineup too. Man, this Arima Kinen is stacked with talent.

One by one, the Uma Musume step into their gates as the start draws near.

The crowd grows quieter with every passing moment. By the time all gates are loaded, silence blankets the entire venue—not because anyone asked for it, but because everyone is holding their breath.

"All gates loaded. The race is ready to begin."

With a sharp clang, the gates burst open and the Uma Musume sprint out in unison.

That sight… I’ll never forget it for as long as I live.

Seiun Sky immediately surges to the front—just as expected.

Meanwhile, King Halo settles near the back, her eyes fixed on Grass Wonder. But she’s also aware of the danger posed by Special Week and El Condor Pasa. Every step is calculated, every move deliberate.

Her racecraft has improved beautifully.

"Leading the pack is Seiun Sky! Three lengths behind is Special Week, followed closely by TM Opera O…!"

"Is it just me, or has King’s racing gotten sharper lately?"

"It’s not just you. From what I can see, King Halo’s race management has definitely improved. This could get interesting."

"Yeah… it really could."

The race progresses smoothly, without any major shakeups.

King Halo maintains a good position near the rear group, eyes locked on the Golden Generation ahead—like a hunter waiting for her moment.

"And here they come past the grandstand for the first lap! Still leading is Seiun Sky! Will she show the pride of the Kikuka-shō record-setter today?"

"The course ahead alternates between uphill and downhill stretches. How each Uma Musume handles that will be key."

2,500 meters—an unknown distance to me. My longest race was 1,600 meters, with an average around 1,400. Running nearly twice that… I can’t even imagine how it feels.

…Maybe I’ll try it someday.

"No movement from the rear pack yet! Could Seiun Sky actually go wire to wire?!"

"Grass Wonder and King Halo are eerily quiet. Special Week and El Condor Pasa are still marking Seiun Sky, but those two haven’t made a move either."

"The Uma Musume round the first corner and start climbing the hill! Seiun Sky’s expression is getting a little tense!"

I’ve felt Nakayama’s slopes myself—but the 1,200-meter and 2,500-meter courses are completely different beasts.

At 1,200 meters, you start atop the hill, four meters above the lowest point. The course begins with a gentle descent and has only one uphill stretch—right before the finish line.

But at 2,500 meters, you have to climb and descend that same hill, then still face the final uphill at the end.

I learned firsthand how brutal Kyoto’s Yodo slopes are… Nakayama must be just as punishing.

"Even after the downhill, Seiun Sky keeps the lead! She’s strong—really strong!"

"But from here on, it’s a flat stretch. Those who’ve been conserving energy may unleash it all now—no room for carelessness."

Just as the commentator says, several Uma Musume begin to move up.

"Oh, Special Week’s pushing forward! El Condor Pasa’s right behind her!"

"Yeah, but it doesn’t look like they’re going all-out yet. I’d guess they’ll make their real move around the 600-meter mark—or once they hit the fourth corner."

"Yeah, that sounds about right. And King…?"

No movement from King Halo yet.

Grass Wonder, on the other hand, has begun accelerating—preparing for the final straight.

"Ah—looks like King’s picking up speed to follow Grass Wonder?"

Just a little, though.

King had been glued to Grass Wonder’s tail up until now, but as the gap began to widen, she clearly didn’t like it—and pushed her pace slightly.

Still, it was far from a full sprint.

"They’re rounding the third corner and approaching the fourth! Less than 200 meters to the final straight! Oh—Special Week’s moving up!"

"El Condor Pasa’s joining her! Are they launching their attack now?"

"And from the rear—Grass Wonder’s surging forward with incredible momentum! The Golden Generation is striking all at once!"

"And King Halo… wait, what’s this!?"

King Halo was running wide—near the outer rail. Not quite at the farthest edge, but far enough to make a difference. From there, she unleashed her signature late kick—her explosive finishing burst—charging toward the leaders.

That acceleration was lightning itself. One moment she was behind; the next, she was slicing through the pack, closing in on the Golden Generation’s front runners.

But from there, the challenge grew fierce. Running wide meant a longer path through the corner—an unavoidable disadvantage.

"And as expected, the Arima Kinen has become a battlefield for the Golden Generation! All five are driving for the lead! Seiun Sky’s still holding out—but can she last!?"

And finally—the home stretch.

At the front: Seiun Sky, Special Week, El Condor Pasa, and Grass Wonder. How will this end…?

"The deciding factor will be that final hill before the goal! However they handle it will determine who wins the Arima Kinen!"

"Yeah… that slope’s brutal. I still remember how much it burned…"

I’m reminded of the Sprinters Stakes—the final stretch of that race.
Hard to believe I actually managed to overtake Mihono Bourbon back then…

"Special Week moves ahead! Seiun Sky—looks like that hill is taking its toll!"

"Whoa, Special Week’s incredible… wait—what the!?"

"Grass Wonder…!"

Grass Wonder surged past all three ahead of her, cutting through them like the wind. Even on the hill, her acceleration didn’t waver for a second.

She’s terrifying… that Grass Wonder.

And then, in the very next instant—

"Wha—what!? K-King!?"

Charging up the slope even faster than Grass Wonder was King Halo! Where did she find that strength!?

No—wait. She’d been right behind Grass Wonder throughout the middle stages. That must’ve been it. She’d used Grass as a windbreak, conserving her energy all this time. She’d held herself back to the very limit, saving every drop of stamina for this single moment!

"Grass Wonder still leads! But King Halo’s right behind her, closing fast! Can she make it!? And Special Week’s accelerating too—she’s not giving up either!?"

"There’s barely any distance left to the goal! Can the ones behind catch up in time!?"

In the end, what decided victory was the kind of races they’d each run until now.

Those who had mastered the long and middle-distance races—and those who had lived in the world of short and mile races. That difference… finally showed.

"And crossing the line first—Grass Wonder! That’s two consecutive Arima Kinen victories!"

"Second place goes to Special Week, showing her spirit right to the very end, just like in the Japan Cup! And in third—King Halo! What a performance—who could’ve seen that coming!?"

King Halo—third place. So close. Yet her face was radiant.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, but they weren’t just tears of regret or sorrow. Her expression said everything.

King Halo’s challenge in the Twinkle Series had come to an end.

Watching the King’s run, I felt a new flame ignite within me.

A will passed on from her—I was sure of it.

And when I looked toward her, King mouthed the words, "I’ll go on ahead. I’ll be waiting for you at the Dream Trophy."

"Trainer…"

"What is it, Lux? That was quite the race—did the heat of it get to you?"

"No… It’s nothing. Yeah, nothing at all."

The year was drawing to a close. My time in this world was running out.

Balancing the flame in my heart against my longing for the world I came from, I wrestled with my choice.

The moment of decision was drawing ever closer—

[Arima Kinen] “Phoenix” Grass Wonder Triumphs with Astonishing Performance
December ○×, 12:34 PM – 231 views

Grass Wonder crossing the finish line

The grand prix race of the year, the Arima Kinen, has concluded—and the victor is none other than Grass Wonder, capturing her second consecutive title.

Earlier this year, Grass Wonder spent time recovering from an injury. Her comeback race in the Yasuda Kinen ended in a narrow defeat, yet since then, she has delivered performances so commanding that any concerns about her recovery have long since vanished.

Culminating in this Arima Kinen triumph, Grass Wonder has achieved the extraordinary feat of back-to-back Grand Prix victories, fully living up to her nickname—the “Phoenix.”

Grass Wonder is slated to continue into the Dream Trophy Series, with her participation in the URA Finals already confirmed. Fans across Japan eagerly await to see whether she will continue her streak of dazzling performances.

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