THE LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE RANKINGS 13 Mar 2026 11:07
The official listing of the world’s best racehorses
(For 3yos and upwards which raced between 1st January and 8th March 2026)
Sprinting sensation KA YING RISING (NZ) [128] leads the first edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026.
| LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Leading Horses click here for complete rankings |
| Rank | Horse | Rating | Trained |
| 1 | KA YING RISING (NZ) | 128 | HK |
| 2 | ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) | 124 | HK |
| 3 | FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) | 123 | JPN |
| 4 | ROYAL CHAMPION (IRE) | 122 | GB |
| 5 | NYSOS (USA) | 121 | USA |
Ka Ying Rising began the year with a 1 1/4 length victory over HELIOS EXPRESS (AUS) [117] in the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1). He then defeated that same rival by 3 1/2 lengths in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (G1). Ka Ying Rising has now won 18 consecutive races.
ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) [124] is currently the second highest rated horse in the world. He started 2026 by winning the Stewards’ Cup (G1) by 1 3/4 lengths over LUCKY SWEYNESSE (NZ) [118]. In his next start, Romantic Warrior won the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1) by four lengths over Ensued (USA).
FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) [123] is ranked third, following his victory in the Saudi Cup (G1). In his seasonal debut, Forever Young defeated NYSOS (USA) [121] by a length to take the Saudi Cup for the second time. Nysos is the fifth highest rated horse off of his effort.
Taking the fourth spot is ROYAL CHAMPION (IRE) [122]. In his first start of the year, Royal Champion defeated Facteur Cheval (IRE) by 4 3/4 lengths in the Neom Turf Cup Presented by Howden (G1).
