For the first time since 2019, two equine superstars share the coveted title of Longines World's Best Racehorse. City of Troy, owned by Coolmore, and Laurel River, the pride of Juddmonte, each earned a stellar rating of 128 in 2024. Their achievements were celebrated at the prestigious Longines Racing Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London, a fitting venue for the announcement of this rare accolade.

City of Troy dazzled on turf, with his standout performance in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York sealing his legacy. That race, rated the top in the world last year, saw him crush his rivals, including runner-up Calandagan, rated 125. City of Troy also triumphed in the Betfred Derby and Coral-Eclipse Stakes, solidifying his place in racing history. Aidan O'Brien, who trained this extraordinary horse, described him as "relentless" and a true joy to work with. Even Ryan Moore, City of Troy's jockey, called the Juddmonte win “the best performance I've ever been involved with on a racehorse.”

On the dirt, Laurel River was equally dominant. His breathtaking eight-and-a-half-length victory in the G1 Dubai World Cup earned him co-Horse of the Year honors and established him as the world's best dirt horse. Juddmonte’s CEO, Douglas Erskine Crum, reflected on the importance of this homebred champion, noting that Laurel River was one of the last horses bred by the late Prince Khalid Abdullah. Trainer Bhupat Seemar confirmed that the seven-year-old will soon return to action, using Meydan as a steppingstone to the G1 Saudi Cup.

Meanwhile, the racing world also celebrated Via Sistina, the globe's top filly in 2024. With a career-best rating of 127, the six-year-old Fastnet Rock mare dazzled on two continents, her standout performance being an eight-length win in the G1 Cox Plate.

Beyond the horses, the 2024 Longines World's Best Jockey title went to James McDonald, marking his second win after 2022. The recognition is a testament to the elite global talent showcased in the sport, with races across 11 nations included in the rankings. Among them, the Juddmonte International took the crown as the world's best race of 2024, emphasizing once again the enduring quality of this iconic contest.