Japan: Equinox nearly unanimous in Horse of the Year vote

Equinox was named Japan’s 2023 Horse of the Year and champion older male for his undefeated four-race campaign that consisted entirely of Group 1 and Grade 1 races in Dubai and Japan.

The surprise was that Equinox was not a unanimous selection.

Equinox received 293 of the 295 votes cast for Horse of the Year, with two votes going to Liberty Island, the champion 3-year-old filly. Equinox received 294 of the 295 votes cast for older male, with Do Deuce receiving one vote.

Now retired to stud, Equinox won the Group 1 Sheema Classic in Dubai in March, and three Grade 1 races in Japan – the Takarazuka Kinen in June, the autumn running of the Tenno Sho in October, and the Japan Cup in November. He ended his career with 8 wins in 10 starts.

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

In other categories, Jantar Mantar was voted champion 2-year-old colt, while Ascoli Piceno was named outstanding 2-year-old filly.

Tastiera, winner of the Grade 1 Japanese Derby in May, was named outstanding 3-year-old colt.

Songline, fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita in November, earned two titles – champion older female and champion miler. She won two Grade 1 races for milers in the spring.

Mama Cocha, a 4-year-old filly in 2023, was recognized as champion sprinter, while the Kentucky-bred Lemon Pop was named champion dirt horse. Lemon Pop swept the two Grade 1 races on dirt at Japan Racing Association tracks – the February Stakes last winter and the Champions Cup in early December.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.