The fourth edition of the 2026 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings has brought significant movement beneath the summit, with three established international performers joining the top five while Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising continues to hold a clear advantage at the head of the standings.

Ka Ying Rising remains the world’s highest-rated horse on a mark of 130, maintaining a four-point cushion over the trio of Bow Echo, Daryz and Romantic Warrior, who are jointly ranked second on 126.

The most notable development in the latest rankings is the arrival of Notable Speech, Nysos and Ombudsman into a share of fifth place on ratings of 125.

Notable Speech enters the rankings following his decisive two-length victory in the Group 1 BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes, where he defeated More Thunder, who is rated 120. The performance was sufficient to place the British-trained miler among the highest-rated horses in the world.

Nysos has also strengthened his position after receiving a ratings upgrade from 121 to 125. The American runner earned that improvement through a dominant four-length success in the Grade 1 Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap. Earlier in the year, he had finished second behind Saudi Cup winner Forever Young, who currently holds a rating of 123.

Ombudsman likewise improved from 120 to 125 after adding the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes to his record. The rise reflects a season that had already included victory in the Group 1 Dubai Turf, underlining his progression into the elite bracket of international performers.

New Additions Continue To Strengthen Rankings

Several other horses joined the rankings following major performances during the past evaluation period.

Almaqam entered on a rating of 122 after making a winning seasonal return in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. He defeated Bay City Roller by two lengths in that contest. The form received a further boost when Bay City Roller returned to record a commanding 10-length victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Coronation Cup.

Kalpana also made an immediate impact on her first start of the campaign. Her victory in the Group 3 Aston Park Stakes earned her a rating of 120 and a place among the latest additions to the rankings.

American runners Englishman and Golden Tempo are also newcomers on ratings of 120. Englishman secured his place through victory in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens Stakes, while Golden Tempo continued a standout campaign by following his Kentucky Derby success with another Grade 1 triumph in the Belmont Stakes.

With the major international meetings of the northern hemisphere season still ahead, the rankings remain far from settled, but the latest update highlights the growing depth of elite performers now challenging just below Ka Ying Rising’s position at the top of world racing.