With his impervious victory in the Awesome Again Stakes (G1), CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA) [133] retains the top spot in the eighth edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2016.

California Chrome was never truly challenged in the Awesome Again, as he led the entire way and finished 2 ¼ lengths ahead of his nearest competition, multiple Grade 1 winner DORTMUND (USA) [122]. In his previous start, California Chrome had beaten champion Beholder by five lengths in the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (G1).

The 5-year-old chestnut is now a perfect six-for-six in 2016. His other victories this year include the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), San Diego Handicap (G2), San Pasqual Stakes (G2) and Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy.

In Australia, WINX (AUS) [127] won the Colgate Optic White Stakes (G1) and Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes (G1), as she stays on course to defend her title in the William Hill Cox Plate (G1) later this month.

The champion mare, who has won all seven of her starts this year and 12 consecutive races overall, is set to face HARTNELL (GB) [123] in the Cox Plate. A notable newcomer to this edition of the rankings, Hartnell has posted three consecutive victories Australia. His latest win came in the Yellowglen Turnbull Stakes (G1), and in September he won both the Ascend Sales Trophies Hill Stakes (G2) and the Tattersalls Club Chelmsford Stakes (G2).

Meanwhile, in France FOUND (IRE) [123] improved her rating from 122 to 123 with her 1 ¾-length victory in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1). It was a memorable day for Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien, as Found beat her own stablemates to the wire. HIGHLAND REEL (IRE) [122] was second, while ORDER OF ST GEORGE (IRE) [120] was third.

In her previous start, Found had finished second by three-quarters of length to ALMANZOR (FR) [127] in the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes (G1). The two are set to meet again in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) on Saturday, where they will also face last year’s winner, FASCNATING ROCK (IRE) [123].

Also on Arc Day, LIMATO (IRE) [122] won the Qatar Prix de la Foret (G1) to improve his rating from 120 to 122. His other big victory this year came in the Darley July Cup (G1).

In America, SONGBIRD (USA) [123] continued to impress with her 5 ¾-length score in the Cotillion Stakes (G1). With that win, she improved her rating from 122 to 123 and remains undefeated in 11 career starts.

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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 [email protected]

Phillip Smith, co-chairman, LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee
Head of Handicapping, British Horseracing Authority
Telephone +44 1386 834004
mail [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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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 next edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings will be published on Thursday 10^th November 2016.