Equinox's outstanding achievements in 2023 positioned him at the pinnacle of horse racing, securing the prestigious Horse of The Year title from Timeform with an impressive rating of 136.

**Pedigree Details:**
- Sire: Kitasan Black
- Dam: Chateau Blanche
- Dam’s sire: King Halo
- Breeder: Northern Farm
- Foaled: March 23, 2019

**2023 Race Record & Fact File:**
- Races: 4
- Wins: 4
- Major wins: Dubai Sheema Classic, Takarazuka Kinen, Tenno Sho (Autumn), Japan Cup
- Owner: Silk Racing Co. Ltd
- Trainer: Tetsuya Kimura

Equinox's farewell ceremony at Nakayama marked the transition to his stud duties at Shadai Stallion Farm. As Timeform's highest-rated horse globally in 2023, he amassed over 2 billion yen in prize money, a groundbreaking achievement for a Japanese horse.

In the Dubai Sheema Classic, Equinox's victory stood the test of time, influencing subsequent wins by other contenders. His Takarazuka Kinen triumph showcased a remarkable turn of foot, while victories in the Tenno Sho and Japan Cup solidified his status as the world's best horse.

Equinox's retirement with a rating of 136 parallels the legendary El Condor Pasa, reflecting his exceptional career. With a stud fee of ¥20m, he becomes Japan's highest-priced first-season stallion, potentially following the footsteps of his influential lineage.

The impressive legacy of Equinox extends beyond his racing prowess. His dam, Chateau Blanche, a winner of the Mermaid Stakes, has also produced noteworthy progeny like Weiss Meteor, a Group 3 winner, and the promising two-year-old filly Garza Blanca.

The family's roots trace back to France, with Equinox's fourth dam, Blanche Reine, being a half-sister to Prix Jacques Le Marois runner-up Bellypha and Prix Eugene Adam winner Bellman, both establishing themselves as stallions in Japan.

Equinox's stud fee of ¥20m, translating to around £110,000 or €127,000, sets a record as the highest ever for a first-season stallion in Japan, surpassing the fees of the esteemed Deep Impact and Kitasan Black in their initial seasons. Reports indicate that Equinox's stud bookings are already fully booked, underscoring his anticipated global appeal in his new career.