World’s Best Racehorse Rankings released between races run from January 1 to May 10 have reinforced Hong Kong’s dominance at the top of the global sprint division, with Ka Ying Rising improving his mark once again to remain the highest-rated horse in the world on a figure of 130.

The upward revision follows two more elite-level victories for the David Hayes-trained sprinter in the Sprint Cup (G2) and Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1). Significantly, the latest performance saw Ka Ying Rising lower his own track record in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize as his winning sequence stretched to 20 consecutive races. His rating has now climbed from 128 to 130, further separating him from the chasing pack.

Three horses jointly occupy second position on ratings of 126, headed by Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior, whose latest increase came after his victory in the FWD QEII Cup (G1). That performance carried additional depth given the calibre of opposition behind him, including Masquerade Ball, Sosie and Royal Champion, all internationally established Group 1 performers.

Romantic Warrior’s latest rating adjustment follows earlier top-level successes this season in the Stewards’ Cup (G1) and Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1), underlining the consistency that has kept him among the world’s elite middle-distance horses.

Joining him on 126 are Europe-based performers Bow Echo and Daryz. Bow Echo earned his figure following victory in the Betfred 2000 Guineas Stakes (G1), where he defeated Gstaad in his seasonal return. Daryz, meanwhile, entered the upper echelon after a dominant display in the Prix Ganay (G1), a performance that immediately elevated him into the global conversation.

The rankings also reflect notable movement just below the leaders, with Opera Ballo and White Abarrio sharing fifth on ratings of 124.

Opera Ballo improved from 119 to 124 after producing a decisive three-length victory in the bet365 Mile (G2) over Field Of Gold. That progression adds to an already strong international campaign after his earlier success in the Jebel Hatta Presented by Longines (G1) in Dubai.

White Abarrio matched that mark following his Oaklawn Handicap (G2) victory over Sovereignty, continuing the veteran American campaigner’s resurgence at the highest level in the United States.

Further down the list, several newcomers reached the 120 mark for the first time. Damysus earned inclusion after landing the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes (G3), while Chilean runner Teao secured his position through victory in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1). American-based T O Elvis also joined the rankings after his Churchill Downs Stakes Presented by Ford (G1) triumph.

While the rankings remain fluid through the middle part of the international season, the latest edition again highlights the increasingly global spread of elite performers, with Hong Kong, Europe, North America and South America all represented among the leading names.