The Top Ranked Horses in the World

THE WORLD'S LEADING HORSES
(Covering the period 1st April 2007 – 7th October 2007)

MANDURO (GER) [130] has assumed the mantle of top ranked racehorse in the world in the latest edition of the World’s Leading Horses, which covers the period 1st April 2007 to 7th October 2007. His impressive performances in winning both the Prix du Haras de Fresney Le Buffard Jacques le Marois (G1) over 1600m and the Prix Foy Gran d’Albion Barriere (G2) over 2400m proved his versatility in terms of distance but it was his performance in beating DYLAN THOMAS (IRE) [128] and NOTNOWCATO (GB) [123] impressively in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) over 2000m at Royal Ascot that has confirmed his status as the best horse in the world as ranked by the panel of official handicappers drawn from the major racing nations affiliated to the IFHA. The true merit of that performance can be gauged from the subsequent performances of DYLAN THOMAS (IRE), who has won the two premier 2400m contests in Europe, namely the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere (G1) in addition to the prestigious Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes (G1) over 2000m, while NOTNOWCATO (GB) went on to win the Coral Eclipse Stakes (G1) also over 2000m.

DYLAN THOMAS (IRE) [128] fills joint second place in the current Rankings along with the horse who defeated him in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York namely AUTHORIZED (IRE) [128), who confirmed his status as best three year old in the world in that race having previously won the Vodafone Derby (G1) at Epsom. A vintage classic generation of dirt horses in North America is still headed by STREET SENSE (USA) [125], who has enhanced his success in the Kentucky Derby (G1) by recently winning the Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers Stakes (G1), and by CURLIN (USA) [125], who recently added the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) to his earlier success in the Preakness (G1) although the more late developing ANY GIVEN SATURDAY (USA) [124] is now challenging that pair after his impressive success in the Haskell Invitational (G1). This trio of 3 year olds will be challenged by the progressive older horse LAWYER RON (USA) [124], winner of the Whitney Handicap (G1) and the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, in the Breeders Cup Classic (Powered by Dodge), which promises to be a race to savour.

DARJINA (FR) [123] is now the top ranked filly or mare in the world following her impressive performance in defeating RAMONTI (FR) [123] in the Qatar Prix du Moulin. The merit of that performance can be measured by the impressive achievements of RAMONTI (FR) this year in winning the Queen Anne Stakes, BGC Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, all Group 1 races. PEEPING FAWN (USA) [122] has now won four Group 1 races in succession, most recently the Blue Square Nassau Stakes and the Darley Yorkshire Oaks impressively, and she lies second in the filly and mare rankings just ahead of RAGS TO RICHES (USA) [121] and INDIAN INK (IRE) [121].

SEPTIMUS (IRE) [122] is now the top ranked stayer in the world following his impressive success in the GNER DONCASTER CUP (G2), in the process edging ahead of his stable mates YEATS (IRE) [121] and SCORPION (IRE) [120], who finished first and second respectively in the Irish Field St Leger (G1). BENBAUN (IRE) [120] is now joint top of the sprinting division following his dominant performance in the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Majestic Barriere (G1), joining SAKHEE’S SECRET (GB) [120] and MISS ANDRETTI (AUS) [120]. Other notable movers / new entrants in this current listing include the improving placed horses in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere, namely YOUMZAIN (IRE) [125], SAGARA (USA) [123] and GETAWAY (GER) [123].

The World's Leading Horses are compiled by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The next World's Leading Horses listing will be released in early November 2007.

For further details on the World's Leading Horses, 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 1 8115886
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