The winner and runner-up of the Saudi Cup (G1) earned 128 and 127 points, respectively, placing them well ahead of the rest
With the thrilling finish they starred in at the Saudi Cup (G1), Japan's Forever Young (Real Steel) and Hong Kong's star Romantic Warrior (Ire-Acclamation) top the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings published Thursday by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).
The winner earned 128 points, one more than the Irish-bred dark bay, and the same as Laurel River (Into Mischief) and City of Troy (Justify), who were crowned the world's best horses in 2024. The neck was the only difference between them on that memorable night at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia, at the close of February.
As expected, both Forever Young and Romantic Warrior are set to feature at the Dubai World Cup (G1) meeting in early April at Meydan, UAE. The former is the top contender for the main event, while the latter will return to the turf for the Dubai Turf (G1), over 1800 meters.
Third place in the rankings was shared by Ka Ying Rising (NZ-Shampexpress) and White Abarrio (USA-Race Day), both with 124 points. Ka Ying Rising earned his score after dominating the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1) and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (G1), both held at Sha Tin, Hong Kong. The grey, on the other hand, reached his mark following victory in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream Park, USA.
Next up is the American-bred Locked (Gun Runner), whose outstanding victory in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita Park earned him a 123-point rating. Further back, with 120 points, is Voyage Bubble (Deep Field), another horse with a campaign in Hong Kong.
Tied in seventh place with 118 points are Japan's Danon Decile (Epiphaneia), South Africa's Gimme a Prince(Gimmethegreenlight), and fellow Japanese runner Shin Emperor (Siyouni).
