After Japan Cup Triumph, Equinox Elevates to ‘Highest-Rated’ Status in the World of Horse Racing

In the illustrious realm of horse racing another major feat has been etched in the annals of the sport by Equinox. Draped in the shadows of monumental expectations owing to a dominant year, his most recent win came on the home turf. Where only the best 18 horses were vying on the dirt ground in the Japan Cup 2023. The spotlight didn’t budge from the four-year-old champion horse who last lost a race in the Japanese Derby in May 2022 coming second.

With the flurry of top-spot retention, he placed himself amongst the most decorated horses. In a recent update, another significant title addition to his name now sets him apart from crediting his career wins.

Horse Racing icon’s underlining status

Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse, Equinox is now declared ‘the highest-rated horse in the world‘ after winning at Sunday’s Japan Cup. An update was posted by @Timeform on Twitter(X) confirming the same with a picture showing the listed global ranking of the top 10 horses. The renowned rating organization, Timeform, showed Equinox followed by Cartier Racing Awards 2023 Horse of the Year, Ace Impact. In third place stood retired British Thoroughbred Westover.

Equinox’s grandeur was witnessed in the Japan Cup in Tokyo where he won by a length victory in over 1 ½ miles race. After the remarkable win, his jockey Christophe Lemaire was emotional while the electrified Tokyo crowd cheered for the duo. Noting the highest position, David Johnson, Timeform’s Flat editor said, “his performances at home since(Dubai Seema Classic), particularly on his last two starts, have raised the bar even higher.”

Johnson added, “Equinox came to prominence to a European audience in the spring when winning the Dubai Sheema Classic where he proved far too strong for leading European performers like Westover and Mostahdaf.” The victory was equally significant for the jockey who noted his fourth win.

In another stratosphere – among the world’s best horses

Very few horses on turf have achieved scores as high as Equinox. Equinox is the only Japanese horse to have obtained a Timeform rating of 136, so it is easy to see the significance of the grade. He is now in the ranks of exceptional horses such as Battaash, Cracksman, and Baaeed. In addition, the Japanese thoroughbred has tied El Condor Pasa’s record from 1999 for the highest point ever awarded to a Japanese horse by Timeform.

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Japanese horses have yet remained unsuccessful staying inches away from winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. However, Equinox now promises a good chance if he keeps competing and travels to Longchamp.

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