Diktaean Triumphs in 2025 G1 Tokyo Daishoten Upset

The 7 year old horse DIKTAEAN (King Kamehameha) was able to catch the favorite Mikki Fight in the final 100 meters of the race to win by a neck the G1 Tokyo Daishoten at Oi Racecourse (Tokyo) ridden by jockey Takayuki Yano on Monday December 29th 2025 over the distance of 2000 meters on Dirt. The gelding has proven that the age is just a number as he previously won the G3 Korea Cup back in September 07th 2025 in Seoul, South Korea.

The upset marked the first time in 20 years a horse representing the National Association of Racing won the contest over the usually dominant Japan Racing Association runners and opened the possibility of an NAR horse becoming a regular fixture on Japan’s international traveling squad.

This same race was won last year by Breeder’s Cup Classic & Saudi Cup 2025 winner FOREVER YOUNG, and by Dubai World Cup winner, USHBA TESORO, back in the 2023 & 2022 editions.

Jockey Takayuki Yano celebrating on the horse Diktaean after winning the G1 Tokyo Daishoten, with two team members beside him, during a victory photo at Oi Racecourse.

[Race Overview] 71st Tokyo Daishoten GI Monday, December 29, 2025 Oi Racecourse, Race 9 2000m (Right)

Race results and overview for the 9th race of the Tokyo Daishoten at Oi Racecourse on December 29, 2025, detailing participants, finishing times, and margins. — Final Results – G1 Tokyo Daishoten – Oi Racecourse – NAR

Comments from the winning connections:
Winning Jockey’s Comment: Takayauki Yano
(Regarding the first victory by a locally-based horse in 20 years)
My heart is pounding, and I can’t quite collect my thoughts on what to say.
(Regarding the race)
I was able to position myself better than expected, and the atmosphere during the race was very good. I wondered if it was okay to have such a good feeling, and I tried to calm myself down while riding.
(Regarding the final straight)
I felt a winning atmosphere…
(Regarding Diktaean’s condition today)
He was moving very well during the warm-up, so I had a feeling he would run a good race.
(This is the fourth time partnering with jockey Yano. Looking back on Diktaean’s performance so far)
The first time I rode him, he was reluctant to move forward, and I was worried about his positioning. However, today he seemed to be moving on his own initiative, and we were able to maintain a good position throughout the race. I think he was able to fully demonstrate his abilities.
(Regarding becoming a top jockey in the regional circuit and in dirt racing)
I think it’s less about me being able to ride and win, and more about the training team doing a great job preparing the horse, and the horse running with such enthusiasm. I believe the team is aiming for even bigger stages, so I want to work even harder to become a jockey worthy of this horse.
(To all the fans)
I’m so happy that so many of you came to support us from early in the morning. I still can’t believe I won this race. The racing season is far from over, so I’ll continue to do my best until the very end. Please continue to support Diktaean whenever he races again.

Trainer Interview: Katsunori Arayama (Trainer)
(How do you feel right now?)
Initially, we had planned to participate in the JBC after the Korea Cup, but since his condition wasn’t as good as we had hoped, we sent him to pasture, and decided to aim for the Tokyo Daishoten. This time, he returned to the stable from the farm in good condition, so we were able to give him the training we wanted, and I think Dictheon responded well to that training, which led to today’s result.
(Amidst a field of strong competitors, the local horse showed its mettle.)
Although its condition in the previous race, the Korea Cup, wasn’t bad, we further intensified both the quality and quantity of training this time, and Dictheon responded well to it, so I thought it would run a good race today. However, with the strong competitors from the JRA (Japan Racing Association) participating, I honestly wondered how well it would be able to compete against them.
(The race started with a mid-pack position, and he overtook the favorite, Mikki Fight, in the final stretch.)
During the race, I thought we were running a bit further up the field than I expected, but when we turned into the straight and moved to the outside, I had a feeling we might have a chance. When we were neck and neck with MikkiFight at the end, I felt like we were going to win.
(Regarding the horse’s condition today)
At seven years old, he was very impressive and confidently circled the paddock without being bothered by the large crowd.
Jockey Yano also said that the horse’s performance during the warm-up was “very good, so I was able to ride with confidence.” From the stable’s perspective, we believe the horse was in excellent condition, which led to this fantastic result.
(Regarding future plans)
We have discussed this with the owner, and we plan to give him a short break before heading to Dubai.
(Message to the fans)
Diktaean gave a fantastic performance. Thank you to everyone who supported him.
Next year, after the New Year, Diktaean will be getting older, but I think he’ll be able to deliver a performance that belies his age when he heads to the Middle East, so please continue to support him.