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What’s even more astonishing is that he accomplished it all in just 10 races. Out of those, Equinox won 8, including 6 Grade 1 (G1) titles, and never once finished third — a mark of absolute dominance.

Born to Win: The First Champion Son of Kitasan Black

Equinox is no ordinary horse. He was born from elite bloodlines — sired by Kitasan Black, Japan’s two-time Horse of the Year (2016 & 2017), and out of Chateau Blanche, a talented mare.

The most interesting fact? Equinox is the first son of Kitasan Black to achieve international stardom.

Equinox’s career began in 2021 and ended just two years later, at the close of 2023. Yet those two years felt like a golden decade. Out of his 10 races, he won 8 and placed second twice.

Of his 8 victories, 6 were Grade 1 titles, the highest tier in global horse racing. These included: Tenno Sho (Autumn) – 2022 & 2023, Arima Kinen – 2022, Takarazuka Kinen – 2023, Japan Cup – 2023, Dubai Sheema Classic (G1 International) – 2023.

One of his most memorable triumphs came at the 2023 Japan Cup, where Equinox defeated Liberty Island, the Triple Tiara Champion mare. Winning by a margin of four lengths, he didn’t just win — he made a statement: “I am the king.”

Retiring at the Peak, Returning as a Premier Stallion

After his magnificent victory in the Japan Cup, Equinox retired from racing. But his story didn’t end there.

He joined Shadai Stallion Station, one of Japan’s most prestigious breeding farms, as a stud. In a symbolic gesture, his stable faces directly toward that of his sire, Kitasan Black, as if the torch of greatness had been passed on.

Though none of Equinox’s offspring have debuted yet, many believe the next generation will carry forward his legacy of speed, resilience, and a champion’s spirit.
 

Despite a career that lasted only two years, Equinox will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant racehorses in Japanese — and global — history.

He didn’t just win. He won memorably — defeating top-tier rivals, conquering both domestic and international tracks, and retiring spotless. From strength and strategy to serenity and style, Equinox was the complete package.

And true to his name — which means “the balance between day and night” — Equinox embodied the perfect harmony of power and grace, making him far more than just a racehorse.

He was, and remains, a legend.

(Sources: FB Atha ID, Wikipedia, Netkeiba & Namuwiki)