A thrilling start to the 2025 racing season has seen Japan’s Forever Young claim the top spot in the first edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, earning a rating of 128. His Saudi Cup (G1) victory over Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior (127) was a defining moment—powerful, relentless, and a testament to his class. The final margin? A neck. The gap back to third? A staggering 10 ½ lengths. That’s the kind of dominance that earns a horse global recognition.

The rankings reflect not just raw ability but the level of competition conquered. Romantic Warrior, a turf specialist, had just won the Jebel Hatta (G1) before stepping onto the dirt. That he nearly upset Forever Young speaks volumes about his adaptability. Meanwhile, Ka Ying Rising (124) continues to rule the sprinting division in Hong Kong, and White Abarrio (124) stamped his authority in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1). Both share third place in the rankings.

In the U.S., Locked (123) made waves after chasing White Abarrio home in the Pegasus. He didn’t sulk. He responded by crushing the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) field by 8 ½ lengths. Performances like these set the stage for an electrifying year ahead. With Dubai, Royal Ascot, and the Breeders’ Cup still to come, the battle for the world’s best is far from over. Who will rise next?