In association with the Longines World Racing Awards, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has published its annual list of Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races.
The ranked list is compiled using the annual race ratings, which are calculated based on the first four finishers in each race. Longines and the IFHA use this list to determine the winner of the annual Longines World's Best Horse Race Award.
For the fifth time, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at ParisLongchamp in France has been honoured as the highest rated race in the world. In 2021, it achieved a rating of 124.75 after Group 1 winners Torquator Tasso (GER), Tarnawa (IRE), Hurricane Lane (IRE), and Adayar (IRE) were the first four across the finish line.
The remaining Top 10 rated races are the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (124.50), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (123.50), Tenno Sho (Autumn) (123.00), Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (122.50), Qipco Champion Stakes (122.25), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by Qipco) (122.25), Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) (122.00), Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines (122.00), and Osaka Hai (121.75).
The top rated races in the 5 respective distance categories are the Heineken T J Smith Stakes (120.50-Sprint); Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by Qipco) (122.25-Mile); Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (124.50-Intermediate); Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (124.75-Long); and Gold Cup (119.00-Extended).
The highest rated race for fillies/mares is the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (117.50), while the highest rated 3-year-old race is the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (122.50).
Twelve countries comprise this year's list, representing the foremost racing events throughout the world across 41 different racecourses. Australia leads all countries with 25 total races, followed by the United States (19), Great Britain (17), Japan (11), Hong Kong SAR, China (8), France (5), Germany (4), South Africa (4), Ireland (3), United Arab Emirates (2), New Zealand (1), and Uruguay (1).
The full list of the 2021 Top 100 G1 races can be found at ifhaonline.org/resources/WTGradedRanking/LWGRank.asp?batch=5
In the context of their partnership, Longines and the IFHA have created a set of prizes rewarding racehorses, jockeys and prominent women and men of the equestrian world. The Longines World's Best Horse Race was created to complete this collection of awards by rewarding the top race in the world. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe previously won the title in 2019, 2018, 2017, and was the inaugural winner in 2015, while the Breeders’ Cup Classic won in 2016 and the Juddmonte International Stakes won in 2020.
The Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races also serve as the base of an annual competition to recognize top jockeys throughout the world. The jockey who outperforms his or her peers in these races is honoured with the Longines World's Best Jockey Award. Ryan Moore was the 2021 Longines World’s Best Jockey, and he previously was honoured as the inaugural winner in 2014 and also won in 2016. Frankie Dettori has taken the competition the most, winning in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2015, while Hugh Bowman won the title in 2017.
The 2022 Longines World's Best Jockey Award will be based upon performances in these 100 highest-rated Group 1 and Grade 1 races from 1 December 2021 until 30 November 2022. Jockeys accrue 12 points for a win, 6 points for placing second, and 4 points for placing third.
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
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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 (OIE).
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