Hong Kong sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising and Britain's Ombudsman head the fifth edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026, each earning a rating of 131 for performances between 1 January and 5 July. Their joint leadership reflects standout campaigns on opposite sides of the globe, while a series of major international performances has reshaped the upper end of the rankings.

Ka Ying Rising's rating has been lifted from 130 to 131 following a review of his victory in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1). The reassessment came after the subsequent performances of Satono Reve, Raging Blizzard and Comanche Brave strengthened the overall quality of that race.

The New Zealand-bred sprinter has now won 20 consecutive races. His unbeaten campaign this season includes victories in the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1), Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (G1), Sprint Cup (G2) and Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1), reinforcing his position as the world's highest-rated sprinter.

Ombudsman matched that figure after producing one of the standout performances of Royal Ascot. Previously rated 125, he surged to 131 following his commanding four-length victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1), where he defeated Minnie Hauk, rated 121. Daryz, rated 126, finished third, with Almaqam, rated 122, in fourth.

That performance capped an outstanding first half of the season for Ombudsman, who had already added the Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes (G3) and the Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World (G1) to his record.

Royal Ascot Produces Multiple Rankings Movers

Royal Ascot delivered several performances that were rewarded in the latest rankings.

Scandinavia advanced to a rating of 123 after narrowly defeating Trawlerman, rated 122, in the Gold Cup (G1). Giavellotto earned a rating of 121 after edging Kalpana, rated 120, by a short head in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2), while Ten Bob Tony also reached 121 following his victory in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1).

Constitution River And Magnitude Enter The Top 10

Two horses have broken into the world's top 10 following recent Grade 1 victories.

Constitution River joins the rankings on a mark of 124 after landing the Coral-Eclipse (G1). His season has also included victory in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (G1), underlining his emergence among Europe's leading middle-distance performers.

Magnitude has improved from 122 to 124 after winning the Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) by 1¼ lengths over Baeza, rated 121. Sovereignty, rated 122, finished third, while White Abarrio, rated 124, was fourth.

The victory was particularly notable as it came in Magnitude's first appearance since capturing the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) in March, where he defeated Forever Young, rated 123.

Further Upward Movement

Japan's Meisho Tabaru has climbed from 120 to 123 after defeating Croix du Nord, rated 122, by a neck in the Takarazuka Kinen (G1). Earlier in the season he had finished second to the same rival in the Osaka Hai (G1), making the reversal a significant result.

Calandagan has also gained one pound to reach a rating of 122 following his victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud – World Pool by PMU (G1). Earlier this year he secured the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), adding further depth to an already accomplished international campaign.

With the European summer season gathering momentum and major international contests still to come, the race for the world's highest-rated horse remains finely balanced as the second half of 2026 unfolds.