“Not Used to Crying”: Jockey Moved to Tears As Equinox’s Remarkable Achievement As JRA Horse of the Year Defies Norms Even in Retirement

Christophe Lemaire didn’t just ride Equinox; he orchestrated a spectacle at the Tenno Sho on October 29, 2023, lighting up Tokyo Racecourse. The momentum carried through as Equinox, a force to be reckoned with, swept an incredible 99.3% of votes for the 2023 Japan Racing Association’s Horse of the Year Award, unveiled on January 9. This isn’t just a win; it’s a mic-drop moment for Equinox, bagging back-to-back victories after a stellar run in 2022.

Equinox, the descendant of the legendary Kitasan Black, just bagged the 2023 Japan Racing Association’s Horse of the Year Award. This power-packed father-son team mirrors Kitasan Black’s glory days. They pulled off the first back-to-back Horse of the Year wins since 2016 and ’17. When Equinox sealed the deal, his jockey poured out some heartfelt wisdom, hitting everyone right in the feels. It was one of those moments that just tug at your heartstrings, giving the whole horse racing world an extra dose of emotion.

Tears flowed, and emotions soared as the epochal moment is charted!

In a recent emotional reel shared by World Horse Racing on X, hearts were moved. French jockey Christopher Lemaire, unaccustomed to shedding tears, expressed, “He’s not used to crying, but today was very special.“ This exceptional horse has filled Japan with pride. Further elaborating, he expressed a profound sense of happiness, relief, and pride as a multitude of emotions surged through his mind. He emphasized that what unfolded today was nothing short of unbelievable. His belief resonates that all racing fans and horse lovers were fortunate to witness something truly extraordinary.

Equinox overwhelmingly secured the Horse of the Year title with 293 out of 295 journalist votes. Only two votes went to Liberty Island, the triumphant runner-up in the Japan Cup. Retiring on a high note after winning the Japan Cup on November 26, Equinox boasts eight wins and two runner-up finishes in his 10-race career. Now, he joins an elite list as the seventh horse in the last 40 years to be named JRA Horse of the Year twice. The exclusive club includes Symboli Kris, Deep Impact, Vodka, Gentildonna, Kitasan Black, and Almond Eye.

Equinox and Lemaire’s dazzling dash to dominance!

In every race from August 2021, French jockey Christophe Lemaire rode the exceptional racehorse Equinox, owned by trainer Tetsuya Kimura. The duo’s remarkable partnership reached its pinnacle in 2023, with Equinox achieving victory in all four races.

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The stellar performance included triumphs in the 2,400-meter Dubai Sheema Classic on March 25. The JRA Grade 1 victories in the Takarazuka Kinen (2,200 meters) at Hanshin Racecourse on June 25. The 2,000-meter Tenno Sho (Autumn) took place at Tokyo Racecourse on October 29. Additionally, the 2,400-meter Japan Cup followed. Looking ahead, Kimura is confident that Equinox, now retired, will continue to impress as a stallion, fulfilling the expectations of fans.

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