After beginning his year in May with a romp in the Group 1 Sheema Classic, Equinox (JPN) added the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin three months later. The world’s highest-rated racehorse kept his record perfect for the year when defending his crown in Sunday’s G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) at Tokyo.
With a minimum of urging by Christophe Lemaire in the saddle, the Tetsuya Kimura-trained son of Kitasan Black defeated the 4-year-old Deep Impact colt Justin Palace by two and a half lengths with the 5-year-old Deep Impact entire Prognosis one and quarter lengths back in third.
With his fifth consecutive Group 1 The Silk Racing colour-bearer advances his record to seven wins and two seconds from nine starts.
The reigning Japanese Horse Of The Year set a new track record, stopping the clock at 1:55.2, and shaving just under a second off the previous mark.
Christophe Lemaire said he is in awe of the champion 4-year-old.
“First of all, I am relieved to have been able to show the world, that he is indeed deserving to be named the (world’s) highest-rated colt.
“He’s not exactly what you call a horse with incredible speed, but he was able to keep up with today’s rapid pace and get into another gear at the end.
“But I was surprised when I realized that we had won in a record. He is a versatile horse that can run from any position, stay calm during the race, and make use of his speed at the finish.
“He can also run at longer distances, such as when he won the Arima Kinen, so although there was much pressure coming into such a prestigious race as race favourite, I was confident knowing what he is capable of.”
From the first crop of the Japan Cup hero Kitasan Black, Equinox (JPN) is a half-brother to Group III winner Weiss Meteor (King Kamehameha), out of the Mermaid Stakes winner Chateau Blanche (King Halo).
Chateau Blanche’s 2-year-old Kizuna filly Garza Blanca won on debut over 1600m at Niigata in August.
Chateau Blanche foaled a sister to Equinox this year.
