Equinox: Reigning Supreme In The 2023 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings

Equinox, the winner of the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, has maintained its top position in the 2023 Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings. With a rating of 129, Equinox holds the lead, while Hukum and Mostahdaf, both from Shadwell, finished joint second with a rating of 128 each. These rankings were published last week by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

Trained by Tetsuya Kimura, Equinox, a colt from the Kitasan Black lineage, secured a dominant victory by three and a half lengths in the prestigious 2400m turf race at Meydan. This win marked Equinox's fourth consecutive Group One victory. Furthermore, Equinox continued to impress by winning the highly-coveted Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin on June 25, solidifying its position ahead of the Shadwell stars.

Hukum, trained by Owen Burrows, remains unbeaten in 2023 after two starts. This Sea The Stars entire claimed victory in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in its first outing. Later, Hukum triumphed over a competitive field in the Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July, showcasing its exceptional skills.

Mostahdaf, a promising racehorse trained by both John and Thady Gosden, has had an impressive three victories out of four starts this season. As the proud offspring of the legendary Frankel, he kicked off his 5YO campaign by triumphing in the Gr.3  Neom Turf Cup at Riyadh. In March, he secured a respectable fourth place in the renowned Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, with Equinox taking the top spot. Following a break of nearly three months, Mostahdaf returned to the track and showcased his talent by winning the prestigious Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at the esteemed Royal Ascot event.

Adding further glory to his already impressive record, he recently dominated the Juddmonte International at York, holding off the fierce competition from the formidable Nashwa and the stunning Paddington.

Sitting in fourth place with a commendable score of 127 is Westover, trained by Ralph Beckett. This talented runner-up of the Sheema Classic demonstrated remarkable progress, going from a close second in the Coronation Cup to claiming victory in the esteemed Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in July. However, Westover narrowly missed out on first place in his most recent outing, losing by a mere head to Hukum in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Three contenders share the fifth spot with a ranking of 125. Golden Sixty and Lucky Sweynesse, both trained in Hong Kong, join Aidan O'Brien's Paddington in this trio. Paddington, who had previously secured four consecutive Group One wins, experienced a setback when he was defeated by Mostahdaf in the Juddmonte. Another notable entry in the rankings is Auguste Rodin, a star from Aidan O'Brien's stable and the dual winner of both the Epsom and Irish Derby. Auguste Rodin shares the eighth spot with the Japanese-trained Titleholder, both boasting a ranking of 124. Lastly, the top 10 concludes with Ace Impact, Luxembourg, and Romantic Warrior, all tied at 10th place with an identical rating of 123.

Race enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of the next edition of the rankings, scheduled for October 12th.