 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
In 2023, Equinox achieved an impressive feat by emerging victorious in all four of his starts. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is that each of these wins was a Group One stakes race. One such notable triumph was his win in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Equinox, an undefeated racehorse, made headlines by winning all four races in his campaign, consisting entirely of Group One races in Dubai and Japan. His impressive performance earned him the titles of Japan's 2023 Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male.
However, it was surprising to know that Equinox was not a unanimous selection as he received 293 out of 295 votes cast for Horse of the Year, with two votes going to Liberty Island, the champion 3YO filly, and 294 out of 295 votes cast for older male, with Do Deuce receiving one vote. Equinox retired after his successful career with eight wins in ten starts, which included the Gr.1 Sheema Classic in Dubai in March and three Group One races in Japan.
Other notable horses that received recognition for their performances include Jantar Mantar, who was voted Champion 2YO Colt, Ascoli Piceno, who was named Outstanding 2YO Filly, and Tastiera, the winner of the Gr.1 Japanese Derby in May, who was named Outstanding 3YO Colt.
Songline, who secured fifth place in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita in November, earned two titles: Champion Older Female and Champion Miler by winning two Grade 1 races for milers in the spring. Mama Cocha, a 4YO filly in 2023, was recognized as Champion Sprinter, while Lemon Pop, a Kentucky-bred Godolphin-owned horse, was named Champion Dirt Horse after sweeping the two Group One races on dirt at Japan Racing Association tracks – the February Stakes last winter and the Champions Cup in early December.