The Arima Kinen, the winter Grand Prix, was the ultimate battle to crown the year's greatest Uma Musume. Renowned for its drama—Ogre Cap's legendary last run still fresh—this year's race promised to be historic.
Mejiro Ryan, Triple Crown victor, aiming for spring-fall Grand Prix dominance. Tokai Teio, undefeated Triple Crown since Rudolf, claiming true kingship. Twin Turbo, third Triple Tiara, unrivaled in her blazing escapes. Ikuno Dictus, the iron lady who battled the tyrant for Tiara supremacy. Nice Nature, the other Derby Uma Musume who nearly toppled the emperor. Mejiro McQueen, first of Mejiro's four kings to seize glory. Daitaku Helios, radiant speedster shining like the sun. Agnes Flora, Rampage's generation's last titan, defeating global rivals. Mejiro Rampage, unchallenged tyrant, heading for the world stage.
A mix of Classic and senior Uma Musume, this lineup rivaled the Dream Trophy League. With last year's and this year's Triple Crown and Triple Tiara winners, plus other G1 titans, predictions were impossible. A true year-end masterpiece.
"Here at Nakayama, the chilling winds are no match for the feverish heat engulfing the turf and stands. The G1 Arima Kinen is here—a clash worthy of the year's finale!"
"I've been waiting for this. This year's Arima is unlike any before!"
"It'll be etched in history! A roster to shame the DTL—my goosebumps won't stop!"
The commentators' excitement echoed the crowd's. Nakayama buzzed with an eerie, heavy tension. As Uma Musume emerged from the tunnel, the air grew thicker.
"The Uma Musume take the turf, each radiating prowess and resolve!"
Every contender was a titan—no weaklings here. The senior-heavy field exuded intensity.
"Following Daisangen, the first escape artist appears—Steayers Stakes winner, Mejiro Palmer! Next, the sunlit speedster, Daitaku Helios! The big-escape duo is here!"
"Here's Nakayama!" Helios cheered.
"Let's blast off!" Palmer shouted.
"Woo!" they chorused.
Palmer, absent from history's race, couldn't resist this lineup. Four big-escape Uma Musume made this a chaotic spectacle.
"I won't lose at escaping!" Turbo yelled. "Yo, Nakayama!"
"Easy, don't get hurt," Nature cautioned.
"The Triple Tiara with a turbo engine, Twin Turbo, arrives! Alongside her, Canopus's Nice Nature, the Derby Uma Musume who nearly beat the emperor! What's her plan today?"
Turbo's energy contrasted Nature's calm as they navigated Nakayama's packed, restricted-entry crowd.
"Please, Ikuno-san, let's race with all we have. For Mejiro's pride," McQueen said.
"An honor to race here," Ikuno replied.
"Next, Tenno Sho (Spring) victor, Mejiro's star, Mejiro McQueen! And the lady who rivaled the tyrant, Ikuno Dictus!"
The roommates exuded camaraderie and refined rivalry, befitting their titles.
"I'm the best! I'll prove it!" Teio boasted.
"Looking forward to it. I'm a Triple Crown too," Ryan countered.
"I beat the world's best. I'm not losing," Flora added.
"Here they come! Last year's Triple Crown, Mejiro Ryan, aiming for spring-fall Grand Prix! Undefeated Triple Crown since Rudolf, Tokai Teio, proving true supremacy! And Japan Cup conqueror, Agnes Flora!"
The trio's entrance sent excitement to a fever pitch, but all eyes awaited one more. A figure emerged from the tunnel.
"She's here! With 13 G1 wins after the Champions Cup, her 23-0 record is a global anomaly. Will the undefeated queen soar worldwide? Mejiro's top titan, the turf's dictator, Mejiro Rampage!"
"Kept you waiting," Rampage said, coat slung over her shoulder. The crowd's roar shook Nakayama. Fan-voted Arima's top favorite, she was poised to claim Japan's throne—or be dethroned.
"Arima with this lineup? Best feeling ever."
--------------------------
Thank you so much to everyone who has followed and supported the story! 🙏
Every like and comment means a lot to me.
If you want to go further, join my Patreon to be able to read the latest chapters!
👉 Check it out here: [patreon.com/Greyhounds]