Swiss watch brand Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) proudly hosted the 2024 Longines World Racing Awards ceremony in London on 21 January. City of Troy and Laurel River shared the 2024 Longines World’s Best Racehorse title, while the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) was named the 2024 Longines World’s Best Horse Race.
On Tuesday, the elite of the horse racing world came together in London to celebrate the 12th time Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) have honoured the top Thoroughbred racehorses of the previous year. Additionally, the Longines World’s Best Horse Race was celebrated for the 10th time.
“As a longstanding partner of the IFHA, Longines would like to take this opportunity to strengthen its support for the horseracing community,” said Bernardo Tribolet, Longines Vice President Marketing. “We’ll continue to share with our partners a deep passion for common values: Tradition, performance and elegance.”
During the Longines World Racing Awards ceremony, which was held at The Savoy, City of Troy (USA) and Laurel River (USA) were named the 2024 co-Longines World’s Best Racehorses with an equal rating of 128. Although both horses were bred in the United States, City of Troy ruled in Europe, while Laurel River dominated in Dubai. This is the first time since 2019 that there has been a tie for the Longines World’s Best Racehorse title.
City of Troy earned his rating in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), which he won in front-running fashion. He also won the Betfred Derby (G1) and Coral-Eclipse (G1) in 2024. Laurel River received his rating after taking the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) by 8 ½ lengths. His other victory this past season came in the Burj Nahaar Sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo (G3).
The winning connections of both horses 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.
Additionally, the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) was honoured as the Longines World’s Best Horse Race with a rating of 124.25. This is the second time York Racecourse’s premier race has won the title, having also been celebrated for its 2020 edition.
The Longines World’s Best Horse Race Award recognises the best-rated race of the highest-rated Group/Grade 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.
William Derby, York’s Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, was 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 York.
"The IFHA is dedicated to advancing and improving our sport globally in a wide range of areas,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “We also believe it is important to take time to reward and celebrate the best of what racing has to offer, and the Longines World Racing Awards allow us to do that in a meaningful way. On behalf of the entire IFHA, I want to congratulate our very deserving winners."
About Longines
Based in Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaking company Longines wields expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships, and as partner of international sports federations, Longines has built strong and long-lasting relationships in the world of sport over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd., the world’s leading watch manufacturer. 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 a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It 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
- 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
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- 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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