Calandagan has been officially recognized as the world’s top-rated racehorse following his emphatic victory in the Qipco Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot. The French-trained star now sits atop the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings with a rating of 130, marking a career-best performance and cementing his status as Europe’s standout performer of 2025.

The son of Gleneagles delivered a commanding 2¼-length win over Ombudsman (IRE) [128], with Almaqam (GB) [122] another 1¾ lengths adrift in third, while Delacroix (IRE) [126] narrowly missed the placings in fourth. The Champion Stakes completed a stellar hat-trick for Calandagan, who had earlier captured the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1).

Hot on his heels is Ombudsman, trained in Britain, who retains a lofty rating of 128, while a quartet of stars — Daryz (FR), Field of Gold (IRE), Forever Young (JPN), and Sovereignty (USA) — share third on 127.

From America, Sierra Leone (USA) surged to 126 after a gallant runner-up effort behind Forever Young (JPN) [127] in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). That result saw Fierceness (USA) [125] finish a length back in third and Journalism (USA) [121] another 2¼ lengths away in fourth. Both Sierra Leone and Journalism improved from prior marks of 120, highlighting the Classic’s high-quality depth.

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships also delivered notable climbers. Notable Speech (GB) [122] earned a boost after winning the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), following up on his earlier Woodbine Mile (G1) triumph. Ethical Diamond (IRE) [121] impressed in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), while Shisospicy (USA) [120] earned a spot in the rankings thanks to victory in the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1).

Japan’s powerful contingent continues to make headlines, too. Masquerade Ball (JPN) [121] joined the elite list after capturing the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1), and Mikki Fight (JPN) [120] entered the rankings following his success in the JBC Classic.

Calandagan’s rise to the summit underscores a season of dominance for the French colt, whose brilliance across Europe.