When the horse racing spectators screamed atop their thunderous cheers at the Japan Cup, an unexpected news caught them off guard. It was Equinox who flew past his competitors to victory with a record time of 2:21.8. But soon after, the record 6X straight Grade 1 winner’s retirement news surfaced. But the news didn’t hint at the end of his journey.

Before his retirement news, the 4-year-old had won all the races on which he placed his hooves. After winning the Dubai Sheema Classic to Tenno Sho and Takarazuka Kinen, Equinox had already booked his spot as the best choice at the 2023 Japan Cup. But now, as the Hokkaido’s renowned Shadai Stallion Station welcomed him, he’s excited to join his close one.

Horse racing star joining his father as a stud

On December 16, the Nakayama Racecourse held the pompous retirement ceremony of the retiree. The event looked nothing like anything usual, as a whopping 16,000 fans flocked to get a glimpse of the beautifully adorned equine in his best wear. But as he entered the Shadai Stallion Station, it’s time for “the father and son will work together to lead the breeding industry.” 

At the end of his 5-year-old season, Kitasan Black, Equinox’s sire, had received a send-off at the same Nakayama Racecourse at the Arima Kinen. Like Equinox made his last mark with 2023 Japan Cup victory, his father made his with the 2017 Arima Karen victory. 2016 being the greatest year of Kitasan’s career, he earned the Japanese Horse of the Year in accounts of it. With more G1 triumphs the following year, he secured the Horse of the Year title, too. Now, as the intergenerational equines would reside under the same roof, the following years would be nothing short of amazing. In line with it, some special people behind Equinox’s achievements shared their heartfelt notes.

Thoughts of the people behind a stellar retirement

Tetsuya Kimura, Equinox’s trainer, who has seen the best and the worst of his beloved equine, bid a teary-eyed goodbye. He said, “(I was able to send him off safely) I have nothing to say. The time we spent together was a valuable experience. Not only in the race, but also in training.”  His emotions brimmed as he added that the runs through the sunrise would be the most remembered.

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Manager of Shadai, Eisuke Tokutake had said about Equinox, “The horse’s strength is his responsiveness. He runs with a cool face and doesn’t feel like he’s running reluctantly. He has the ‘style of a champion’ in his demeanor and behavior.” Equinox is on a mission to walk in his father’s stylish footsteps.

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