As the result of his victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1), HUKUM (IRE) [128] has joined MOSTAHDAF (IRE) [128] in the second position in the sixth edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2023.


LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings

Rank Horse Rating Trained
1 EQUINOX (JPN) 129 JPN
2 HUKUM (IRE) 128 GB
2 MOSTAHDAF (IRE) 128 GB
4 WESTOVER (GB) 127 GB
5 GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS) 125 HK
5 LUCKY SWEYNESSE (NZ) 125 HK
5 PADDINGTON (GB) 125 IRE
8 TITLEHOLDER (JPN) 124 JPN
9 ACE IMPACT (IRE) 123 FR
9 LUXEMBOURG (IRE) 123 IRE
9 ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) 123 HK

Hukum earned his rating when he defeated WESTOVER (GB) [127] by a head in the King George, while KING OF STEEL (USA) [120] was third and LUXEMBOURG (IRE) [123] was fourth. Westover, meanwhile, improved his rating to 127 from 120 for his game effort and is now fourth in the rankings. Hukum was making his second start of the season and came into the race having won the Racehorse Lotto Brigadier Gerard Stakes (G3). He is a full brother to Baaeed, who was the highest rated turf horse in the world in 2022.

Elsewhere, WHITE ABARRIO (USA) [122] joins the rankings following his victory in the Whitney Stakes (G1), which he won by a margin of 6 ¼ lengths. He came into the race having finished third in the Hill ‘N’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1).

Another newcomer to the rankings this month is NATIONS PRIDE (IRE) [121], who won the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis - Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (G1) in Germany by three lengths. Earlier in the season, Nations Pride won the Dubai Millennium Stakes (G3) and finished third in the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (G1) while racing in Dubai.

Also joining the rankings this month is SHAQUILLE (GB) [120], who is a perfect four-for-four in 2023. Shaquille earned his rating with a 1 ½ length victory in the Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes (G1), and he came to the race having won the Commonwealth Cup (G1) during Royal Ascot.