For the first time since 2019, there is a tie at the top of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings. With a joint ranking of 128, City of Troy and Laurel River share the title of 2024 Longines World's Best Racehorse.
City of Troy, who is the highest-rated turf horse in the world, earned his rating in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), which he won in front-running fashion by a length over Calandagan [125]. City of Troy's other victories in 2024 came in the Betfred Derby (G1) and Coral-Eclipse (G1). He has since been retired to Coolmore Stud in Ireland.
Laurel River, who is the highest rated dirt horse in the world, received his rating following his dominating performance in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1). He defeated Ushba Tesoro [119] by 8 1/2 lengths. Laurel River came into the race off of a 6 3/4-length romp in the Burj Nahaar Sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo (G3).
Via Sistina [127] is the highest-rated filly/mare in the world after dominating in Australia. She earned her rating, the third highest in the world, when she won the Ladbrokes Cox Plate (G1) by 8 lengths over Prognosis [120]. Her other victories in 2024 include the Ranvet Stakes (G1), Winx Stakes (G1), TAB Turnbull Stakes (G1), and TAB Champions Stakes (G1).
Goliath [126] is the fourth highest-rated horse in the world. He received his rating in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1), which he won by 2 1/4 lengths over Bluestocking [122]. Rebel's Romance [123] was another 3 1/4 lengths behind in third.
In addition to Calandagan, four other horses share the co-fifth spot with a rating of 125. Do Deuce [125] earned his rating by winning the Japan Cup in association with Longines (G1); Fierceness [125] took the DraftKings Travers Stakes (G1); Romantic Warrior [125] proved best in the Longines Hong Kong Cup (G1); and Sierra Leone [125] was victorious in the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).
Rounding out the Top 10 is Charyn [124], who won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by Qipco) (G1).
Overall, 273 horses, trained in 15 different countries, were rated 115 or higher. The full list and further information on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings are available on the IFHA website ifhaonline.org.
BloodHorse will post on-site coverage from the ceremony later today.
