Yutaka Take's Equinox Progeny Shine at JRHA Select Sale

Yutaka Take's Equinox progeny stole the show at the 2026 JRHA Select Sale, with a string of high-priced sales and a robust opening session that exceeded industry expectations.

What happened?

The opening day of the 2026 JRHA Select Sale saw a powerful display of confidence in the Japanese bloodstock market, with demand for the first crop of Equinox, alongside established sires Kitasan Black and the emerging Efforia, driving trade to levels that exceeded industry expectations.

Why it matters for Yutaka Take

The strong demand for Equinox's progeny is a testament to the stallion's growing reputation in the Japanese racing scene. As a leading jockey, Yutaka Take has had the opportunity to ride many of Equinox's progeny, and his endorsement of the stallion's abilities has likely contributed to the strong demand.

What comes next?

The sale of Equinox's progeny is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for the Japanese racing scene. With several high-profile races and sales on the horizon, fans and industry insiders alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments.

The opening day of the 2026 JRHA Select Sale saw a total turnover of ¥13.6 billion, a 13.6% increase from the previous year. The sale of Hip 21, an Equinox colt out of Green Bananas consigned by Shadai Farm, for ¥210,000,000 (US$1,296,297) to Yujiro Inutsuka was a highlight of the session. The colt is a half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Audarya.

Inutsuka explained that his purchase was the result of extensive inspections of Equinox's first yearlings. "I am a great supporter of Equinox and was looking for a yearling by Equinox with the highest quality," he said. "As I inspected yearlings by Equinox, I judged this is the best Equinox yearling consigned by Shadai Farm. Coincidentally, the birthday of this colt is the same as Equinox. I dream this colt will win the Japanese Derby, which Equinox could not win."

The colt will enter the stable of Takahisa Tezuka. Outstanding international female families remained a major attraction throughout the session. Hip 31, a Kitasan Black colt and the first foal of European Champion Juvenile Filly Pretty Gorgeous, realised ¥320,000,000 (US$1,975,309) when purchased by Danox Co. Ltd.

M's Racing secured Hip 35, the first foal from Grade 1 Acorn Stakes winner Search Results, for ¥350,000,000 (US$2,160,494). Search Results had been acquired by Katsumi Yoshida for US$3.6 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Among the international buyers, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahyan made a notable first investment in the Thoroughbred industry, paying ¥80,000,000 (US$493,828) for Hip 47, a filly by Real Impact out of In Luxury.

Danox Co. Ltd. returned to secure Hip 51, an Efforia colt out of Petite Folie, for ¥330,000,000 (US$2,037,038). The colt is a half-brother to 2025 G2 Flora Stakes third Taisei Princesse. West Hills paid ¥170,000,000 (US$1,049,383) for Hip 61, an Orfevre colt from the Grade 3-winning mare Heavenhasmynikki.

Kitasan Black continued to reinforce his standing among Japan's elite stallions. Hip 86, a full brother to G1 Satsuki Sho winner Sol Oriens and a half-brother to multiple Group winner Vin de Garde, sold to Group TM for ¥330,000,000 (US$2,037,038). The highest-priced yearling of the session arrived with Hip 110, an Equinox colt out of Queensland Oaks winner Youngstar.

Danox Co. Ltd. secured the colt for ¥420,000,000 (US$2,592,593). The pedigree already includes Group performer Eri King, adding further appeal to one of the most sought-after offerings of the sale.

The 2026 JRHA Select Sale is set to continue on July 18, with a strong demand expected for the remaining yearlings on offer. With several high-profile sales and a robust market, fans and industry insiders alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments.

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