Equinox leads Longines World Best Racehorse

“As for the autumn schedule, our main target is the Japan Cup on November 26,” said master trainer Tetsuya Kimura when discussing Equinox, and Japan’s place on the international stage.

“It’s a top international race that he did not run in last year, and the owner have their own intentions in being able to show such a good performance overseas in Dubai.”

“He’s obtained a high rating and is appealing to the world,” with Equinox retaining his 129 ranking ‘for his dominant victory in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Gr1 on turf at Meydan.’

‘Equinox ended 2022 as the world’s co-third highest rated horse, and in making this his first start of the year in the Dubai Sheema Classic, he won by 3½ lengths over Westover with 120.’

‘Never truly challenged Equinox set a course record of 2:25.65 for the 2410m contest’ in the hands of Christopher Lemaire for owners Silk Racing, having in December won the Arima Kinen.’

“Considering the horse’s future, we wanted to increase his value even more as a stallion,” said Tetsuya Kimura, “and historically Japanese horses have performed quite well in Dubai.”

“With such an aptitude for the track, the Dubai Sheema Classic in late March seemed very attractive, but not that I was not confident, we were managing and preparing by every single day.”

“I think it was also good that he could travel with Geoglyph from our stable, and they provided an environment that made the horses feel as little stress as possible, with the facilities excellent.”

With the Longines World’s Best Racehorses Rankings for 3YO’s and Upwards being released for horses racing between 1st January and 6th August 2023, its Equinox from Japan on 129.

In taking up this top position from the second edition of the Longines Best Racehorses for 2023, he maintained the position when winning the Takarazuka Kinen of 2300m on turf on 25 June.

Now a Win-and-You’re-In for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, Equinox idled out of Gate 5, and in not making his move until the home bend, he circumnavigated all 16 runners, to score by a neck.

“My biggest concern was his physical condition,” said Tetsuya Kimura, “and whether he remained tired after the expedition to Dubai, he was the top choice by fan votes for the Takarazuka.”

“We had no choice but to run in the race, and as for his condition we felt we could just make it in time, and as I was concerned about whether the track conditions would be too soft.”

“As you can see from the footage of the jockey’s cam in the Takarazuka Kinen, the kickback was very hard, so he stayed at the Ritto Training Centre for a week before returning to Miho.”