Following his dominant victory in the Dubai World Cup (G1), Laurel River is rated at 128 and leads the second edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2024. Full rankings are posted on the IFHA website.

In the Dubai World Cup, Laurel River seized an early lead and maintained it throughout, winning by an impressive 8 ½ lengths over Ushba Tesoro (JPN), with Senor Buscador (USA) finishing just a neck behind in third. Laurel River's dominance was evident, especially after his earlier triumph in the Burj Nahaar Sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo (G3), where he won by 6 ¾ lengths.

Rebel’s Romance (IRE) showcased his talent in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), elevating his rating from 120 to 123 and claiming the second-highest spot in the world rankings. His victory over Shahryar (JPN) by two lengths solidified his position, building on his previous win in the H H The Amir Trophy (G3).

In the Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World (G1), Facteur Cheval (IRE) made a memorable debut in the year, clinching victory by a narrow margin and earning a spot in the co-fifth position with a rating of 120. Tuz (USA) also made waves by winning the Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Nakheel (G1) by an impressive 6 ½ lengths, securing his spot in the rankings with a rating of 119.

Meanwhile, Fierceness (USA) surged into the Top 5 with a commanding performance in the Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa (G1), triumphing by a staggering 13 ½ lengths. This remarkable win followed his third-place finish in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) earlier in the season.

Best Horse so far this year 

Rank Horse Rating Trained
1 LAUREL RIVER (USA) 128 UAE
2 REBEL’S ROMANCE (IRE) 123 UAE
3 NATIONAL TREASURE (USA) 121 USA
3 SENOR BUSCADOR (USA) 121 USA
5 FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE) 120 FR
5 FIERCENESS (USA) 120 USA
5 PRIVATE EYE (AUS) 120 AUS
5 ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) 120 HK
5 SHAHRYAR (JPN) 120 JPN
5 USHBA TESORO (JPN) 120 JPN