The last month has seen some exciting racing around the world with a number of impressive performances. The Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot saw two new additions to the horses included in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings at 120 and above. The Breeders’ Cup meeting at Santa Anita provided three new horses, while the very competitive racing held in Australia over the past month has resulted in another four horses being included for the first time.
 
 

 

 
 
Pride of place however goes to a horse that was already included in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings on [121]. BAYERN (USA) is now [125] on the strength of his thrilling all the way victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).From the same race, TOAST OF NEW YORK (USA) [124], who was beaten only a short head entered the Rankings for the first time. The third placed finisher CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA) [124], only a neck further behind, replicated his performances in both the Kentucky Derby (presented by YUM! Brands) and in the Preakness Stakes.
 
Also at Santa Anita in the LONGINES Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) over 12 furlongs, the very consistent MAIN SEQUENCE (USA) [122] won his fourth middle distance, turf Group 1 contest of 2014.
 
Pride of place in the southern hemisphere goes to TERRAVISTA (AUS) [123]. This 5 year old gelding by Captain Rio showed himself to be currently the joint best sprinter in the world by virtue of a narrow victory in the Darley Classic (G1) at Flemington over CHAUTAUQUA (AUS) [122].
 
In Hong Kong, MILITARY ATTACK (IRE) [123] showed his versatility by winning the Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy (HK G2) over 1600 metres, to complement his victory over 2000 metres in the Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup (HK G1)back in February.
 
The highlight of British Champions Day was the gutsy front running success of NOBLE MISSION (GB) [122] in the Qipco Champion Stakes (G1). This was the five year old’s third Group 1 victory of 2014 achieved in three different European countries. Second was AL KAZEEM (GB) [121], who continued his racecourse comeback from an unsuccessful stud career with his best performance of 2014.
 
Altogether, twelve horses have recorded performances at 120 and above for the first time this year during the past month to gain inclusion into the 2014 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.
 
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The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are compiled by the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).  
 
For further details on the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, please contact:
 
Nigel Gray, co-chairman, LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee
Head of Handicapping and Race Planning, Hong Kong Jockey Club
Telephone +852 2966 8337
Email nigel.c.gray@hkjc.org.hk
 
Phillip Smith, co-chairman, LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee
Head of Handicapping, British Horseracing Authority 
Telephone +44 1386 834004
Email psmith@britishhorseracing.com
 
 
Tom Robbins, chairman, North American Ratings Committee
Executive Vice President, Racing & Industry Relations, Racing Secretary, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Telephone +1 858 792 4230
Email tomr@dmtc.com
 
 
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The full list and further information on the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are available on the IFHA website http://www.ifhaonline.org. 
 
The annual edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2014 will be published on Tuesday 20^th January 2015.