The World Rankings are compiled by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).
Nigel Gray, Co-Chairman of the IFHA World Rankings Committee, explains: “His impressive performances in the Prix D’Ispahan and the Prix du Haras de Fresnay Le Buffard Jacques Le Marois merited him the title of Champion miler in 2007 but his best performance was in defeating DYLAN THOMAS (IRE)(129) in the Prince of Wales Stakes over 2000m at Royal Ascot. Having established his versatility in winning the Prix Foy over 2400m, it was a great shame that injury prevented him from showing us whether he was as good over that distance as he was over shorter distances.”
Following are the 10 highest-rated racehorses of 2007, according to the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings. The full list and further information is available at www.IFHAonline.org.
10 YOUMZAIN (IRE) 124 GB
Garry O'Gorman, co-chairman World Rankings Supervisory Committee, applauds DYLAN THOMAS (IRE)(129), “He is the first horse since LAAMTARRA in 1995 to achieve the King George / Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere double and he added the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes to his tally over the shorter distance of 2000m.”
DYLAN THOMAS’ WTRR rating of 129 exceeds his 2006 rating by three pounds and he shares second place in the World Rankings with AUTHORIZED (IRE), CURLIN (USA) and INVASOR (ARG). AUTHORIZED (IRE)(129) won the Vodafone Epsom Derby in impressive fashion and later came down in distance to 2000m and defeated DYLAN THOMAS (129) in the Juddmonte International at York.
Tom Robbins, chairman of the North American Ratings Committee, highlights the two top-rated racehorses in 2007 on a dirt surface: “INVASOR (ARG)(129) achieved the same rating for winning the Dubai World Cup (Sponsored by Emirates) as he had achieved in winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic (Powered by Dodge) in 2006 but subsequent injury deprived him of the opportunity to improve on that performance figure. He shares the billing of top dirt horse in the world with CURLIN (USA)(129), who won the Preakness and was placed in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes before winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the autumn, the first three year old to do so since TIZNOW back in 2000.”
Robbins continues: RAGS TO RICHES (USA)(123) has become the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years, and only the third in history, by defeating CURLIN (USA)(129). She was equally impressive in winning the Kentucky Oaks before injury curtailed her season. These victories enabled her to be ranked top filly/mare in the world on any surface.”
The best turf fillies in the world in 2007 were DARJINA (FR)(122) and PEEPING FAWN (IRE)(122). DARJINA (FR) won three Group 1 races but her most impressive performance was in defeating RAMONTI (FR)(123) in the Emirates Prix de Moulin – only her compatriot DIVINE PROPORTIONS (FR) can match her rating among female turf milers in the last ten years.
PEEPING FAWN (IRE)(122) won four Group 1 races for fillies and only EGYPTBAND (126)(2000) and BANKS HILL (123)(2001) have surpassed her turf rating over 2000-2400m as three year olds in the last 10 years. These three exceptional three-year-old fillies are expected to campaign again in 2008.
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For further details on the World Rankings, please contact:
Nigel Gray, co-chairman World Rankings Supervisory Committee
Head of Handicapping and Race Planning, Hong Kong Jockey Club
Telephone +852 2966 8337
Email nigel.c.gray@hkjc.org.hk
Garry O'Gorman, co-chairman World Rankings Supervisory Committee
Senior Flat Handicapper, Irish Turf Club
Telephone +353 86 8564218
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
