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| Staff Writer |
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Gr.1 The Japan Cup this year is generating significant excitement due to the possibility that Equinox, the highest-rated horse in the world, may be participating in his final race. With a total prize of US$7.12 million, this race marks a potential swan song for Equinox's extraordinary career. Reports indicate that Equinox, a 4YO offspring of Kitasan Black, will retire at the end of the season and begin his stallion duties in 2024.
Equinox is set to compete in the Nov. 26 2,400-meter event, aiming to extend his winning streak to five and culminate his exceptional career. The Japanese Horse of the Year for 2022 comes in fresh off a world record-setting performance in the Tenno Sho Gr.1 Autumnwhere he dominated the 2,000-meter turf race in a final time of 1:55.2 at Tokyo Racecourse.
Silks Racing's prized colt was relocated from Miho Training Center to the Tenei Branch of Northern Farm just two days after his Tenno Sho (Autumn) victory. He received a short freshener before returning to training. Equinox returned to his trainer Tetsuya Kimura's barn at Miho on Nov. 10 and breezed six furlongs on the woodchip course in 1:21.8 seconds. His final eighth of a mile was covered in an impressive 11.4 seconds under a motionless rider.
The highly regarded 3YO filly Liberty Island poses a challenge to the five-time Group One winner. The daughter of Duramente claimed victory in all three legs of the Japanese Triple Tiara, with her most recent win coming in the Gr.1 Shuka Sho.