The seventh edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2021 features a three-way tie for the highest rating, as MISHRIFF (IRE) [127] has joined ADAYAR (IRE) [127] and ST MARK’S BASILICA (FR) [127] at the top.

LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings

Rank Horse Rating Trained
1 ADAYAR (IRE) 127 GB
1 MISHRIFF (IRE) 127 GB
1 ST MARK’S BASILICA (FR) 127 IRE
4 PALACE PIER (GB) 125 GB
5 KNICKS GO (USA) 124 USA
5 NATURE STRIP (AUS) 124 AUS
7 DOMESTIC SPENDING (GB) 122 USA
7 MYSTIC GUIDE (USA) 122 USA
7 POETIC FLARE (IRE) 122 IRE
7 SUBJECTIVIST (GB) 122 GB


Mishriff improved his rating to 127 from 124 with an effortless victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), which he won by six lengths. Earlier this season, Mishriff won the Saudi Cup and Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) before returning to Europe.

In July, Adayar earned his rating of 127 when he defeated Mishriff in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1), while St Mark’s Basilica received that mark after having won the Coral-Eclipse (G1) over ADDEYBB (IRE) [121] and Mishriff. St Mark’s Basilica is expected to race on Saturday in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) during Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

Meanwhile, in his first attempt at top level company, BAAEED (GB) [121] took the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) by 1 ¼ lengths. In doing so, he improved his rating to 121 from 120, which he had earned after his 6 ½ length score in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (G3) in July.

Additionally, multiple horses impressed during the Saratoga meet in the United States. JACKIE’S WARRIOR (USA) [120] is now ranked after beating LIFE IS GOOD (USA) [120] by a neck in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1), while MIDNIGHT BOURBON (USA) [120] joins the rankings after finishing second by a neck to ESSENTIAL QUALITY (USA) [121] in the Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1).