A new champion has emerged in the world of horse racing, and it’s a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings has a new leader, and it’s not the expected Forever Young.
Despite Forever Young’s impressive win at the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the top spot goes to an international dirt star based in Japan. With a rating of 127, this horse ties for third place, but here’s where it gets controversial: it trails behind turf horses Calandagan and Ombudsman.
Calandagan, a four-year-old gelding, and Ombudsman put on an incredible show at the Champion Stakes, with Calandagan claiming victory by a comfortable 2 1/4 lengths. This win boosted Calandagan’s rating to an impressive 130, securing the top position in the rankings.
But how did Calandagan achieve this feat? Well, this talented horse, under the guidance of jockey Mickael Barzalona and trainer Francis Graffard, had already proven its mettle with victories in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. And this is the part most people miss: Calandagan’s consistent performance across different tracks and races is what sets it apart.
Ombudsman, despite its defeat at Ascot, maintained its rating of 128, keeping it in second place. Forever Young, along with three other horses – Daryz, Field of Gold, and Sovereignty – are tied for third. Interestingly, Forever Young and Sovereignty are expected to be crowned the North American Horse of the Year for 2025, but will this prediction hold true after Calandagan’s impressive rise?
The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, compiled by the expert committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, is a testament to the incredible talent in the horse racing world. It’s a ranking that keeps us on our toes, always ready for the next surprise.
So, what do you think? Is Calandagan’s rise to the top a well-deserved achievement, or is there more to this story? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss the future of horse racing!