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Racing's finest to descend on capital Japan's heroes aim to maintain grip
The glittering Longines World Racing Awards ceremony returns to London's iconic Savoy Hotel on January 21, bringing together the sport's global elite to celebrate 2024's outstanding achievers.
Last year's ceremony saw Japanese superstar Equinox crowned World's Best Racehorse with a commanding rating of 135, before clinching the Gr.1 Japan Cup on his final appearance. That performance helped elevate his home nation's premier contest to World's Best Horse Race status, marking a remarkable double for Japanese racing.
Previous winners of the prestigious award include Flightline (2022), who dominated American racing with spectacular victories in the Gr.1 Pacific Classic and Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic. Frankel (2012) and Arrogate (2017) have also etched their names into the ceremony's rich history.
International handicappers determine the rankings based on performances in elite races worldwide, with the leading race title calculated through averaging the ratings of the first four finishers. The complete rankings are published on the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities website.
Winners receive the stunning Equus crystal vase for World's Best Racehorse, while the World's Best Horse Race trophy features an elegantly crafted horse head design. Both prestigious awards are complemented by exclusive Longines timepieces presented to connections, with each trophy specially engraved to commemorate the achievement.
The ceremony, jointly organised by luxury Swiss watchmaker Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, stands as racing's premier global awards gathering, recognising excellence across the sport's highest level.