Sprinting ace NATURE STRIP (AUS) [123] has taken over the top spot in the third edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2021.

LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings

Leading Horses

Rank Horse Rating Trained
1 NATURE STRIP (AUS) 123 AUS
2 MISHRIFF (IRE) 122 GB
2 MYSTIC GUIDE (USA) 122 USA
4 ADDEYBB (IRE) 121 GB
4 EDUARDO (AUS) 121 AUS
4 PALACE PIER (GB) 121 GB


Previously rated at 121, Nature Strip improved his rating to 123 in the Heineken TJ Smith Stakes (G1). Under jockey James McDonald, Nature Strip easily pulled away to win by two lengths in a field where the first five home were Group 1 winners. Earlier this season, Nature Strip won the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1), and he finished second by a short head to EDUARDO (AUS) [121] in the Hyland Race Colours Challenge Stakes (G2). Eduardo was third in the TJ Smith.

Globe-trotting ADDEYBB (IRE) [121] also improved his rating in his most recent start. With his half-length victory in the LONGINES Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), Addeybb’s rating raised to 121 from 118. His first start of the year was a second-place effort in the Ranvet Stakes (G1).

Off the strength of his first start of 2021, PALACE PIER (GB) [121] has joined Addeybb and Eduardo in the co-fourth spot. His seasonal debut came in the bet365 Mile (G2), where he romped to victory by eight lengths. He is expected to make his next start in Saturday’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1).

Multiple horses are tied in the seventh position, including SKALLETI (FR) [120] and EFFORIA (JPN) [120]. Following his score in the Prix Exbury (G3) this March, Skalleti won the Prix d'Harcourt (G2) in April to raise his rating from 118 to 120. Meanwhile, Efforia is new to the rankings, having impressed in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1), which he won by three lengths.

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).

IFHA