“He Overtook”: Ahead of Japan Cup, Equinox’s Trainer Unveils Untold Stories of Horse Racing Champion

The last Sunday of November is reserved for the Japan Cup every year in the horse racing community. The Tokyo Racecourse, owing to a track of 2800 meters stands to welcome the best equines from around the world. The North American, British, Australian, and New Zealand, races have embraced a winner from over 8 countries. Now, the Japan Cup is back for a spectacle, and its horses are nothing less.

According to reports, the Japan Cup is an invitational event. Matching strides with the likes of the Breeders’ Cup and Melbourne Cup, the race stands as one of the most prestigious year-end events. This year, welcoming the finest Thoroughbreds, the Japan Cup will be hosting the country’s very own, Equinox. As the dates approach, the equine’s trainer has a word or two to reveal.

Equinox trainer speaks of the horse racing champion

On the 25th of November, the World Horse Racing page on X shared a video of trainer Tetsuya Kimura talking about Equinox. The 4-year-old had started a race but was laid back as he proceeded further. While Panthalassa galloped ahead at a marveling speed, the spectators thought they had their winner. Following along, Kimura reveals he felt no different either. The trainer revealed that as he watched through his binoculars, he thought Equinox would finish second again. “But towards the end of the race he overtook Panthalassa. I was very happy.“

In the further interview, Kimura revealed how loved the champion has been in Japan following the victory. He said, “What surprised me most about the Japanese fans is that I kept receiving letters, like fan letters for Equinox. From elementary school children or middle school students. So I feel his greatness… I am very happy to be able to train such a great horse.”?

The Japan Cup races’ worthy contender

In October, on the Tokyo Racecourse, Equinox raced the Tenno Sho to not just win but also to break a record. His 1-minute, 55.2 seconds finish broke through the old record by 0.9 seconds. Entering the course, the horse was entitled to nine starts which resulted in 7 wins and 2 runner-up finishes. With the history, his finish was a cherry on top.

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Following his victory, jockey Lemaire commented, “Equinox is the greatest horse after all. Everyone in the world wanted to see him race,” and Kimura’s words backed. Now, tagged the ‘world’s best racehorse,’ Equinox will look to clinch another victory on the 26th at the Japan Cup and retain his status.

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