The equestrian world is abuzz with anticipation as the annual Longines World Best Racehorse Rankings are set to be released next week. This year, several outstanding performances have captured the attention of racing enthusiasts. According to Thoroughbred Racehorse Commentary’s exclusive race ratings, two horses—City Of Troy and Sierra Leone—stood out for their exceptional achievements. Both horses achieved TRC131 ratings in significant victories during 2024. However, the current world #1 title belongs to Romantic Warrior from Hong Kong, who has consistently demonstrated superior performance. The rankings highlight not only these stellar performances but also provoke discussions on the methodology behind determining the "world's best racehorse."
Two standout performances in 2024 came from City Of Troy and Sierra Leone. City Of Troy, trained by Aidan O’Brien, showcased his prowess in the Juddmonte International at York in August, achieving a TRC131 rating. Despite retiring after a disappointing showing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this victory marked the pinnacle of his career. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone secured a notable win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar in November, also earning a TRC131 rating. After a series of close calls, Sierra Leone capitalized on an ideal setup to claim victory over Fierceness by a length and a half.
Romantic Warrior, the reigning champion from Hong Kong, has been a dominant force in the rankings. Leading the weekly charts for 26 consecutive weeks as of January 14, Romantic Warrior is set to compete in the Dubai Carnival on January 24. His career-high TRC130 rating was achieved during the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin last month. Unlike City Of Troy and Sierra Leone, Romantic Warrior’s consistent excellence across multiple races solidifies his position as the top-rated horse globally.
Despite Laurel River's impressive victory in the Dubai World Cup with an official rating of 127, questions linger about whether he truly deserves the title of 'best racehorse.' The IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) rankings, while respected, often face scrutiny for their methodology. Unlike rolling rankings seen in other sports, these annual lists focus on individual performances rather than sustained excellence. Consequently, horses like Laurel River, who haven't raced in nine months, may lose relevance in more dynamic ranking systems such as the TRC Global Rankings.
The upcoming Longines World Best Racehorse Rankings will undoubtedly spark debate among racing aficionados. While City Of Troy and Sierra Leone's performances are undeniably remarkable, the true measure of a champion extends beyond single victories. Romantic Warrior's consistency and overall dominance make him a deserving contender for the world #1 title. As the equestrian community awaits the official announcement, the discussion around ranking methodologies continues to evolve, reflecting the rich tapestry of opinions within the sport.