Equinox delivers front-running masterclass to blow his rivals away in Sheema Classic romp

Japanese star Equinox put up an unbelievable front-running performance to blow his Longines Dubai Sheema Classic rivals away in effortless fashion.

Already a champion in Japan, Equinox lowered the mile-and-a-half track record at Meydan by a second as he delivered a staggering display on the global stage under Christophe Lemaire.

Trained by Tetsuya Kimura, Equinox had been hailed as potentially the best turf horse in the world after defeating Panthalassa in the Tenno Sho and scoring in the Arima Kinen in Japan and he looked every inch the world’s best on his first start on foreign soil. 

As good as Lemaire is in the saddle, he looked nothing more than a passenger as Equinox took command of the race from the off. 

One by one his rivals started to wilt but Equinox was always in cruise control, with Lemaire keeping both hands firmly on the reins as he free-wheeled to a mesmerising win from Irish Derby winner Westover, with France’s Zagrey third and John and Thady Gosden’s Mostahdaf fourth.  

Victory opened up a world of possibility for Equinox, with Paddy Power going 6-1 (from 12) about him becoming the horse who finally delivers Japan a first success in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.  

“I’ve never seen such a strong horse and I’m surprised as well,” Kimura told Racing TV. “I didn’t think about tactics, my concern was letting my horse run in the best conditions. He was brilliant from the moment he came into my yard as a two-year-old.”

While appearing keen on further challenges abroad for Equinox, Kimura was non-committal on what might be next for his superstar but frighteningly for the horse’s potential rivals, Lemaire felt the best was still to come.

“He’s a fantastic horse getting better and better, race after race,” said the winning rider. “Today he was a little bit fresh and keen. I rode the best horse and made the pace and I’m very happy for all the connections. 

“Race after race he’s going up in my rankings. Today was a great performance against these kind of horses at this level.”

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