In the G3 Chukyo Kinen, fifth-favorite Al Naseem patiently saved his energy in a favourable position on the inside, smoothly moved to the outside on the fourth corner, and powered through to achieve his first graded stakes victory. Second favourite Epiphany, who made a sharp run from the inside, finished a neck behind in second place, while race favourite Elton Barows came home in third, an additional half-length back. The winning time was 1:47.2.

For 56-year-old jockey Norihiro Yokoyama, this marked his first graded stakes title since winning the G1 Japanese Derby with Danon Decile. Elsewhere, in the feature race of Sapporo Racecourse, the Open Class Shirakaba Stakes, 55-year-old Yutaka Take guided second favourite Sonnig to victory. Meanwhile, at Fukushima Racecourse, the Listed July Stakes saw 49-year-old Yutaka Yoshida secure a win with Meisho Tensui. Veteran jockeys shone across the main races at all three venues on Sunday.

The victorious Yokoyama praised his partner, saying, "I didn't focus on positioning too much since he's a delicate horse, so I was careful. The race was easy, and it often happens like this when you win. The ground was soft, and there were some spots where it dug in a bit, but he managed well." Reflecting on their journey, he added, "Since I first rode him three races ago, the trainer, the groom, and I have been working together closely with Al Naseem. I enjoy any racecourse where we can win," he said, amusing the gathered fans.