The Official Listing of the top horses in the world
(covering the period 1st December 2008 to 21st June 2009)
Although below his best at Royal Ascot, GLADIATORUS (USA) [127] has retained the mantle of top racehorse in the world on the strength of his stunning performance in winning the Dubai Duty Free (G1) according to the latest edition of the World Thoroughbred Rankings, compiled by the panel of handicappers / racing secretaries affiliated to the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities).
World Thoroughbred Rankings |
||||
Rank |
|
Horse |
Rating |
Trained |
1 |
|
GLADIATORUS (USA) |
127 |
UAE |
2 |
|
GOOD BA BA (USA) |
124 |
HK |
2 |
|
SEA THE STARS (IRE) |
124 |
IRE |
2 |
|
WELL ARMED (USA) |
124 |
USA |
5 |
|
ZENYATTA (USA) |
123 |
USA |
6 |
|
ASK (GB) |
122 |
GB |
6 |
|
EAGLE MOUNTAIN (GB) |
122 |
UAE |
6 |
|
MASTERCRAFTSMAN (IRE) |
122 |
IRE |
6 |
|
PACO BOY (IRE) |
122 |
GB |
6 |
|
SACRED KINGDOM (AUS) |
122 |
HK |
6 |
|
SCENIC BLAST (AUS) |
122 |
AUS |
6 |
|
STACELITA (FR) |
122 |
FR |
6 |
|
VISION d'ETAT (FR) |
122 |
FR |
6 |
|
YEATS (IRE) |
122 |
IRE |
A number of stellar performers from last year have returned to the racetrack in style recently and their presence is augmented by a number of exciting racehorses emerging from the classic generation, most notably the Irish colt SEA THE STARS (IRE) [124] who recently annexed the Investec Derby (G1) to add to his previous win in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas (G1). In the process, he completed a classic double not achieved since Nashwan back in 1989. One of his victims in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas, the champion European two year old colt of 2008, MASTERCRAFTSMAN (IRE) [122] has since achieved double Group 1 success in the Boylesports.com Irish 2000 Guineas (G1) and the St James Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, defeating the English colt DELEGATOR (GB) [121] by a neck on the latter occasion.
Among the classic generation of fillies in Europe, two have emerged displaying outstanding merit. French filly STACELITA (FR) [122] is rated just ahead of crack American filly RACHEL ALEXANDRA (USA) [121] after her impressive romp in the Prix de Diane (G1) in which she fulfilled the promise she had shown in the Montjeu Coolmore Prix St Alary (G1), while the English filly GHANAATI (USA) [119] dominates in the miling division having recently won the Coronation Stakes (G1) to add to her earlier classic success in the StanJames.com 1000 Guineas (G1).
Among the older horses, Australian sprinter SCENIC BLAST (AUS) [122] has joined Hong Kong sprinter SACRED KINGDOM (AUS) [122] at the top of the world Turf Sprinting ranks following his impressive success in the King’s Stand Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. Japanese filly VODKA (JPN) [120] had to overcome trouble in running in winning the Yasuda Kinen (G1) while unbeaten American filly ZENYATTA (USA) [123] gave every indication that she retains her 2008 prowess in winning the Milady Handicap (G2) on her 2009 debut.
In Europe, YEATS (IRE) [122] tops the stayers rankings after making history by becoming the first horse ever to win the Ascot Gold Cup (G1) four times. PACO BOY (IRE) [122] proved that he is the leading older miler in Europe in winning the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, while French 4yo colt VISION D’ETAT (FR) [122] reproduced his best form of 2008 in winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1). Two European older horses put up career best efforts recently in Group 1 company; ASK (GB) [122] defeated YOUMZAIN (IRE) [121] in the Investec Coronation Cup (G1), while CASUAL CONQUEST (IRE) [121] romped home in the mud at the Curragh in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1).
The World Thoroughbred Rankings (formerly known as ‘World's Leading Horses’) are compiled by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The next edition of the World Thoroughbred Rankings will be published on 29th July 2009.
Head of Handicapping and Race Planning, Hong Kong Jockey Club
Telephone +852 2966 8337
Email nigel.c.gray@hkjc.org.hk
Senior Flat Handicapper, Irish Turf Club
Telephone +353 5997 26596
Email gaogorman@eircom.net
Tom
Robbins, chairman North American Ratings Committee
Vice President (Racing), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Telephone +1 858 792 4230
Email tomr@dmtc.com
*******
The full list and further information on the World Thoroughbred Rankings are available on the IFHA web site http://www.ifhaonline.org/