Japanese superstar Equinox confirmed his status as world #1 with a consummate performance on Sunday [June 25] as he returned to domestic action in the prestigious Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin.
Running for the first time in three months since the Dubai Sheema Classic, the reigning Japanese Horse of the Year overpowered a top-class field featuring seven fellow G1 scorers to win his fourth G1 contest on the bounce.
Although Equinox’s winning margin was just a length over Arc entry Through Seven Seas, there was much to admire as the winner cut back in trip a furlong for the ¥475 million (£2.61m/$3.62m) event, which offered a fees-paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf as part of the annual ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge.
In complete contrast to his victory at Meydan, the four-year-old son of Japan Cup winner Kitasan Black was settled towards the rear of the 17-runner field by an ultra-confident Christophe Lemaire.
After making a wide sweeping move around the turn, the odds-on favourite was delivered widest of all down the middle of the straight, his turn of foot ensuring he had the race in the bag a furlong from home. Although the longshot runner-up closed in eyecatching style, there was never anything to worry about.
With a 112pt boost on Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings, Equinox stands unchallenged at the top of the list, which he has led for 14 weeks.
Five-time JRA champion Lemaire reported: “Though we were unable get a good position toward the front due to the fast pace at the beginning, the horse was relaxed in the rear and I wasn’t worried at all.
“As the inner track condition was not so good, we made bid from the outside early and turned wide to the straight where he stretched really well. Hanshin’s inner course is tricky and Takarazuka Kinen is a difficult race to win even for champion horses, so I’m very happy that I was able to win the race with the No. 1 horse in the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. I realised again how strong he is. I hope to win more big races with him in autumn.”
Mostahdaf leads way at Royal Ascot
A series of shock results at Royal Ascot means that Britain’s most prestigious meeting had a less pronounced effect on the upper reaches of the charts than might normally be expected.
Best performance of the week came from Mostahdaf (#7 from #52, +286pt) in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes – but while he makes the Top Ten for the first time, a sketchy overall career record precludes any higher estate for now.
Other notable movers are headed by Irish-trained pair Tahiyra (#10 from #29, +159pt) and Paddington (#20 from #148, +319pt) – respective winners of the Coronation Stakes and the St James’s Palace Stakes – and clearly top of their divisions among European three-year-olds.
Flip-flop: Irad Ortiz claims #1 spot from luckless James McDonald
After an excellent three-win haul at Royal Ascot in 2022, leading Australian-based rider James McDonald endured a frustrating time at this year’s meeting as the Kiwi went winless from 15 rides – among them star sprinter Coolangatta, who disappointed in the King’s Stand Stakes.
What is more, McDonald has forfeited his long-held #1 position as world-leading jockey on TRC’s Global Rankings as he flip-flops with US-based Irad Ortiz (#1 from #2, +5pt).
With McDonald dropping 11 pts, the four-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey did not have to do too much to sneak into the top spot, though a return to winning ways for US champion female sprinter Goodnight Olive in G2 company at Belmont Park helped matters.
Ortiz now holds a narrow 5pt advantage over McDonald – but both of them should be looking over their shoulders at Ryan Moore (stays at #3, +64pt) as Britain’s top rider closes in after securing his tenth title as leading rider at Royal Ascot with six victories altogether.
Aidan O’Brien (#3 from #4, +137pt), Moore’s employer at Ballydoyle, was top trainer for the 12th time at the royal meeting.
“I would think Paddington would be the highlight,” said O’Brien. “He looks very different – he is progressing with every run and he travels and quickens. I know Ryan was always taken by him – I think he was really blown away.”
O’Brien is now fewer than 100pt behind Charlie Appleby on the trainers’ list after a dismal week without any Royal Ascot winners for Godolphin.
• Visit the Japan Racing Association website
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