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SARGA.CO - Japan's premier thoroughbred auction, the JRHA Select Sale, opened this year in Hokkaido with one bloodline in the spotlight. Champion sire Kitasan Black and his record-breaking son Equinox dominated the opening session, generating a combined ¥4.202 billion in sales and reaffirming their status as the most sought-after stallions in Japanese breeding.

Between them, the sire-and-son duo accounted for 26 of the 28 yearlings offered, with Kitasan Black selling 13 of 14 lots for ¥2.218 billion, while Equinox sold 13 of 14 lots for ¥1.984 billion.

Debuting as a sire at the Select Sale, Equinox immediately proved his commercial appeal. His highest-priced offering was Youngstar 2025, purchased by Danox Co., Ltd. for ¥420 million, making it the most expensive Equinox yearling of the opening session.

The sale marked another milestone for the two-time Japanese Horse of the Year, whose popularity has continued to soar since retiring to Shadai Stallion Station. 

Equinox won eight of ten career starts, with six consecutive victories including the Tenno Sho (Autumn) twice, the Dubai Sheema Classic, Takarazuka Kinen, and the Japan Cup. 

His stud fee for the 2026 breeding season stands at ¥25 million, placing him among Japan's most valuable stallions for breeders.

While Equinox made headlines as a freshman sire, his father once again demonstrated why he remains one of Japan's premier stallions. The three highest-priced Kitasan Black yearlings included: Skia 2025 - ¥330 million to TM Group, Pretty Gorgeous 2025 - ¥320 million to Danox Co., Ltd, and Land Over Sea 2025 - ¥310 million to CyberAgent president Susumu Fujita, well known as the driving force behind Uma Musume.

Another notable purchase came from Osamu Satomi, owner of horses carrying the famous "Satono" crown name. He secured Tamnia no 2026, a Kitasan Black colt and half-brother to graded stakes performer Teresa, for ¥200 million.

Kitasan Black's continued dominance reflects the successes of his stallion career that has already produced some of Japan's biggest stars, including Equinox, Sol Oriens, etc.

The demand for both Kitasan Black and Equinox indicates the growing influence of their bloodline in shaping Japanese horse racing. While Kitasan Black has firmly established himself as one of the country's top sires, Equinox appears poised to follow in his footsteps before his first runners have even reached the racetrack.

With the opening session focused on yearlings, attention now turns to the rest of the JRHA Select Sale. After a record-setting start led by the celebrated sire-and-son combo, expectations remain high as buyers continue searching for Japan’s next horse superstar.