On 17 January, Swiss watch brand Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) proudly celebrated the 2022 Longines World Racing Awards ceremony in London. Flightline was crowned the 2022 Longines World’s Best Racehorse, while the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic was honoured as the 2022 Longines World’s Best Horse Race.
On Tuesday, the elite of the racing world met in London, marking the 10th time that Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) have honoured the top Thoroughbred racehorses of the previous year, during a ceremony which also crowned the Longines World’s Best Horse Race for the eighth time.
During an event held at Banqueting House, which is one of the Historic Royal Palaces, it was announced Flightline (USA) had earned the title of 2022 Longines World’s Best Racehorse with a historic rating of 140. This mark equals Frankel’s benchmark rating set in 2012 under the current system. Additionally, the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) was honoured as the Longines World’s Best Horse Race with a rating of 126.75.
Flightline earned his 140 in the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (G1), which he won by 19 ¼ lengths over Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) winner Country Grammer. His other victories over the course of 2022 included the Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1) and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Flightline retired undefeated at the end of the year.
The winning connections were presented with elegant Longines watches as well as a replica of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse vase, named Equus, by representatives of Longines and IFHA. The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are established by international handicappers according to the performance of the horses in top races.
During the ceremony, Baaeed (GB) was also celebrated as the second-highest rated horse and the highest rated turf horse in the world for 2022. He received his rating of 135 in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), and it is the highest rating given on turf since Frankel received his 140. Baaeed’s other victories in 2022 include the Qatar Sussex Stakes (G1), Queen Anne Stakes (G1), and Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1). He also retired at the end of the season.
Additionally, Longines and the IFHA were delighted to honour the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic as the 2022 Longines World’s Best Horse Race. Longines is proud to be the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper of this historic race.
The Longines World’s Best Horse Race Award recognizes the best-rated race of the highest-rated Group 1 international races as established by a panel of international handicappers. The ratings of the top four finishers in each race serve as basis for the assessment. This is the second time the Classic has won the award, with additional recognition coming in 2016.
Drew Fleming, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Breeders' Cup Limited, was present in London to accept the award. He received an elegant Longines timepiece as well as a replica of the trophy, representing a proud horse head, on behalf of the Breeders’ Cup.
About Longines
Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland since 1832, Longines watchmakers enjoy an expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as the official timekeeper for world championships, and as a partner of international sports federations, Longines has created strong and long-lasting relationships in the world of sports, over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd., the world’s leading watchmaker. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries.
Longines International Communications: publicrelations@longines.com
All press material is available on mediacenter.longines.com
About IFHA
The IFHA is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
• Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (the IABRW)
• Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
• International Race Planning and Grading (“black type”)
• World Rankings
• The fight against Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices
• Harmonization of Racing Rules
• Certification of IFHA Reference Labs
• Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
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