Timeform Awards: Winners revealed 5r3w3q

Timeform's Flat editor David Johnson said: "It comes as no surprise perhaps that one name dominates these awards over all others and while observers were wowed by the spring Equinox in the Dubai Sheema Classic, the autumn version was arguably even more impressive in the Japan Cup as he put up the kind of performance that sees him rated alongside the very best horses Japan has ever produced.

"Equinox’s rating of 136 was enough to see him crowned Leading Male in the 3-y-o+ category and Champion of the Rest of the World, while his exploits ensured he was also voted Horse of The Year by Timeform's editorial staff. Runner-up behind him in the two categories he was eligible for was Ace Impact who was also crowned Champion of Europe on the back of an unbeaten season that culminated in his impressive Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe success.

"Both retire to stud leaving fans wanting more, but perhaps their mantle will be taken up by City Of Troy who was crowned Champion Two-Year-Old with a rating of 125p and looks as exciting a prospect as we have seen for several years. The Guineas and Derby next year already look at his mercy and he currently has the potential to develop into an all-time great."

Click on the award titles below to read comprehensive profiles. Awards were decided based on Timeform ratings unless stated otherwise.

Horse of the Year*

1. Equinox

2. Ace Impact

3. Auguste Rodin

*Determined by vote among Timeform editorial staff

Champion of the Rest of the World

1. Equinox – 136

2. Golden Sixty – 129

2=Cody's Wish – 129

Champion of Europe

1. Ace Impact – 133

2. Westover – 131

3. Hukum - 130

Leading Male 3-y-o+

1. Equinox – 136

2. Ace Impact – 133

3. Westover – 131

Leading Female 3-y-o+

1. Emily Upjohn – 126

2. Inspiral – 125

3=Through Seven Seas – 124

3=Liberty Island – 124

3= Imperatriz - 124

Leading 2-y-o**

1. City of Troy – 125p

2. Henry Longfellow – 120p

3. Vandeek – 119p

**Europe only

First-season sire***

1. Too Darn Hot (99)

2. Blue Point (96)

3. Calyx (93)

3= Ten Sovereigns (93)

***Based on average Timeform master rating of top 10 progeny (need to have had a minimum of ten runners in Britain or Ireland).

Race of the Year ****

1. Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (130)

2. Tenno Sho (Autumn) (129)

2= Dubai Sheema Classic (129)

2= Takarazuka Kinen (129)

**** Based on average Timeform master rating of first three home