New Era For Japan At Meydan

The Spring Equinox, traditionally a time of renewal, is perhaps as fitting a moment as any to usher in a new era at Meydan.

The Japanese media, ever-present at every World Cup in Dubai since the opening meeting in Nad Al Sheba in 1996, returned en masse for the first time since 2019 to witness their record contingent for the 27th edition of the meeting on Saturday, which featured prize money of $30.5 million. Money over nine races, get out in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Andrew Hawkins writes that among the 27 horses representing the country this year is the Equinox, making her first foray abroad for trainer Tetsuya Kimura.

The reigning Japanese Horse of the Year, who will compete in Group 1 of the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, had an easy bowl around the Meydan dirt before Saturday’s 2400 meter test.

“This is his first trip abroad and he’s still adjusting to his new surroundings, although I think he’s getting better every day and I’m pleased with how he moved this morning,” Kimura said on the sidelines. “I know this horse has a lot of talent and I hope he can live up to the expectations of Japanese racing fans by winning the Dubai Sheema Classic.”

Fittingly, it is the first time since 2019 that Japan’s leading horse from last season has appeared on the Dubai World Cup map. Equinox, like Almond Eye, the heroine of this year’s Group 1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World), will be driven by Silk Racing with 500 fans in his possession.

Christophe Lemaire, who rode Almond Eye throughout her career and also partnered with Equinox to wins in Group 1 Tenno Sho (Fall) 2,000m and Group 1 Arima Kinen 2,500m, retains the ride on Saturday.

“It’s a tough race, but Christophe knows Meydan and this horse, so I’m not worried,” said Kimura. “There have been some very good winners at the Dubai Sheema Classic so I respect how difficult it will be. It’s an honor to be here with a horse like Equinox.”

Should he pass his Dubai Sheema Classic test with flying colors, fan-voted Takarazuka Kinen in the 2200m at Hanshin in June is Equinox’s next target.

However, Silk Racing Chief Executive Masashi Yonemoto is already looking further afield with his star stallion, although retirement from the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamp in October remains an unlikely option.

“There are quite attractive races at home, like the Tenno Sho (autumn) and the Japan Cup,” he told local media. “Nevertheless, I think the Breeders’ Cup Turf is an attractive option. It’s important he does well here when we travel again, but I think the Breeders’ Cup would be better than the Arc, especially with the ground.

“I think this season we will see the best of him and I think this race is a good challenge for him. Hopefully he can prove he’s a great horse.”

Kimura also has his eye on Geoglyph, the Dubai World Cup Group 1 runner (sponsored by Emirates), who actually boasts a top-flight win over his more established stablemate in last year’s Satsuki Sho, the Japanese 2000 Guineas 2000m .

The four-year-old starts fourth in Group 1 Saudi Cup (1,800 m) behind his compatriot Panthalassa and will also be ridden by Lemaire on Saturday.

“I’ve been very happy with him since he got here,” said Kimura. “He was close to fourth and it was his first dirt race so I was happy with that performance. I think his experience in Saudi Arabia will help him with that.

“He worked well this morning along with Equinox. I think this is a more appropriate race going up to 2000m and I hope he can race well again on Saturday.”

Both Equinox and Geoglyph will complete their toughest test of the week on Wednesday morning, along with the majority of Japanese competitors.