The final episode of the TBS Sunday Theatre drama "The Royal Family" (Sunday 9:00 PM), starring Satoshi Tsumabuki, was broadcast on December 14th. The appearance of the jockey who won the 2025 Arima Kinen, Saki Ryujiro (Takasugi Mahiro), drew praise, with some saying he was "super cool."
◇The following contains spoilers
In the 2025 Arima Kinen, Saki rode Big Hope. Big Hope, owned by Shiina (Kazuki Sawamura), was a foal of Royal Hope, a horse born from a collaboration between Shiina and Kozo (Koichi Sato). After passing the final corner, Big Hope and Koichi's (Ren Meguro) Royal Family came alongside each other and crossed the finish line. Big Hope took first place in a photo finish.
Receiving huge cheers from in front of the main stand, Saki gently patted Big Hope on the neck while riding, saying, "I've finally been able to keep my promise to the president. Thank you."
On social media, people were talking about how "Ryuujiro did a great job. He was really cool," "It was great to see jockey Saki Ryuujiro win at Arima on the president's horse!", "Saki-kun was also carrying a dream on his shoulders. He may look like a playboy, but he cares about his horse and is straightforward and really cool!", "Saki Ryuujiro, the hidden big hope of both Presidents Sanno and Shiina! This was exciting," and "Saki Ryuujiro was really good."
