London (UK) / Saint-Imier (Switzerland), 24 January 2017 – Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) honoured the top racehorses and horse race from 2016 during a ceremony held at the iconic hotel Claridge’s in London. The American colt Arrogate was crowned the 2016 Longines World’s Best Racehorse with a rating of 134. California Chrome, also from America, was rated second at 133, while the Australian mare Winx took third place at 132. On the same day, the 2016 Longines World’s Best Horse Race award was given to the Breeders’ Cup Classic with a rating of 125.25.
Together with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), Longines is proud to celebrate excellence in horseracing with the Longines World’s Best Racehorse and Longines World’s Best Horse Race ceremony. With a rating of 134, Arrogate was declared the 2016 Longines World’s Best Racehorse, and Longines had the pleasure to time his great victories throughout the year, namely at the Breeders’ Cup Classic in California and the Travers Stakes in New York.
California Chrome, at 133, was honoured as the second-highest rated horse in the world during the ceremony held at the iconic hotel Claridge’s in London. Among other victories, the American-based runner travelled to the Middle East to win the 2016 Dubai World Cup.
Finally, the Australian mare Winx occupied third place in the 2016 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. With a rating of 132, she was also the highest rated turf horse and highest rated filly/mare in the world.
This classification is established by international handicappers according to the performance of the horses in international top races. Last year, American Pharoah was named the 2015 Longines World’s Best Racehorse following his historical victories in the American Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The representatives of the three winning horses were presented with Longines watches by Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing. The connections of Arrogate also received a replica of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse vase and a commemorative frame from Louis Romanet, IFHA Chairman.
One ceremony, two awards
During the same ceremony, Longines and the IFHA also named the Breeders’ Cup Classic as the 2016 Longines World’s Best Horse Race. Longines is proud to be the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper of this race, which attracts the best horses, breeders, trainers and owners from across the globe. In 2016, it took place at Santa Anita Park in California.
The Longines World’s Best Horse Race award recognizes the best-rated race of the highest-rated Group 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. In 2016, Arrogate defeated California Chrome in the Classic after a thrilling stretch run.
Craig Fravel, CEO and President of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and Bryan Pettigrew, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sponsorship, received the award for the 2016 Longines World’s Best Horse Race. They were presented with an elegant Longines watch from Juan-Carlos Capelli and with a commemorative frame from Louis Romanet, IFHA Chairman. They also received a replica of the trophy of the Longines World’s Best Horse Race, which represents a proud horse head.
Longines and the IFHA, a long-term partnership and common values
Passionate about horses since 1878, Longines is proud to be the Official Partner and Official Watch of the IFHA, and to lend its name to the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. The long-term partnership between Longines and the IFHA has seen the establishment of a prestigious set of awards aimed to honour horseracing’s elite. The Longines World’s Best Racehorse, the Longines World’s Best Horse Race, the Longines World’s Best Jockey and the Longines and IFHA International Award of Merit respectively pay tribute to the racehorses, horse races, jockeys and personalities who excel at the highest level of their sport.
About Longines
Longines has been based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. Longines has generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships and as partner of international sports federation. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 150 countries.
For further information please contact:
Longines International Public Relations
2610 Saint-Imier, Switzerland
publicrelations@longines.com
www.longines.com
About IFHA
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is the world peak body for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing. Its members are the national racing authorities across the globe which stage Thoroughbred races.
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
• Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices
• Harmonization of Race Day Rules
• 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).
For further details, please contact:
Andrew Chesser
Secretary General, International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
Telephone +1 859 224 2741
Email achesser@jockeyclub.com
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