2021 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Summary

KNICKS GO (USA) [129] has been crowned the 2021 Longines World’s Best Racehorse. He earned his rating of 129 following his tour de force victory in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), which was the highest rated dirt race in the world in 2021.

 

 

 

 

Knicks Go led from the start in the Classic and posted a 2 ¾-length win over MEDINA SPIRIT (USA) [124]. ESSENTIAL QUALITY (USA) [123] was three-quarters of a length behind in third, while HOT ROD CHARLIE (USA) [122] finished fourth.

 

In addition to the Classic, Knicks Go also won the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), Whitney Stakes (G1), Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (G3), and Lukas Classic Stakes (G3) in 2021. He is schedule to compete in the 2022 Pegasus World Cup this Saturday before retiring.

 

Three European horses share the mantle of second-highest rated in the world, making them jointly the highest rated turf horses for the year. ADAYAR (IRE) [127], MISHRIFF (IRE) [127], and ST MARK’S BASILICA (FR) [127] all finished 2021 on a rating of 127. Adayar earned his rating in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1); Mishriff achieved that mark with his victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1); and St Mark’s Basilica received his rating from having won the Coral-Eclipse (G1).

 

Sitting alone in fifth is Japan’s CONTRAIL (JPN) [126], who achieved his rating of 126 when he won the Japan Cup in Association with Longines (G1) by two lengths in his final career start.

 

Four horses sit in co-sixth on a joint rating of 125. Undefeated BAAEED (GB) [125] took the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by Qipco) (G1) by a neck over PALACE PIER (GB) [125], who in turn had earned his rating in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1). TORQUATOR TASSO (GER) [125] was the upset winner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), which was named the 2021 Longines World’s Best Horse Race, while GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS) [125] completed his perfect season in the Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1).

 

The tenth spot in the rankings is held jointly by five horses: EFFORIA (JPN) [124], FLIGHTLINE (USA) [124], LIFE IS GOOD (USA) [124], MEDINA SPIRIT (USA) [124], and NATURE STRIP (AUS) [124].

 

Overall, 279 horses, trained in 14 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. 

 

                                                                                                                            

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The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are compiled by the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). 

 

For further details on the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, please contact:

 

 

Nigel Gray, co-chairman, LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee

Head of Handicapping, Race Planning and International Racing, Hong Kong Jockey Club

Telephone +852 2966 8337

Email nigel.c.gray@hkjc.org.hk

 

Phillip Smith, co-chairman, LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee

Email phil@phillipsmithconsulting.com

 

Tom Robbins, chairman, North American Ratings Committee

Executive Vice President, Racing & Industry Relations, Racing Secretary, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Telephone +1 858 792 4230

Email tomr@dmtc.com

 

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The full list and further information on the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are available on the IFHA website http://www.ifhaonline.org.

 

E-Mail : achesser@jockeyclub.com