What Is 2016 World's Best Racehorse Rankings

Overview

The 2016 World's Best Racehorse Rankings represent the official global assessment of Thoroughbred racehorse performance, compiled and released by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). These rankings are published annually and reflect performances across major racing nations including the United States, Japan, Great Britain, Ireland, France, and Australia.

The rankings are based on a rating system that assigns a numerical value to each horse’s best performance during the calendar year. This value is determined by a panel of international handicappers who evaluate race times, competition quality, and race conditions. The higher the rating, the stronger the performance.

• Arrogate topped the 2016 rankings with a score of 134, the highest of the year, earned by defeating California Chrome in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
• California Chrome ranked second globally with a rating of 133, recognized for dominant wins in the Dubai World Cup and Pacific Classic.
• The rankings only considered performances between January 1 and December 31, 2016, excluding any races outside that window.
• Three-year-olds and older were eligible, but two-year-olds were not included in the final published list.
• Horses from six countries appeared in the top 10, reflecting the global nature of elite Thoroughbred racing.

How It Works

The World's Best Racehorse Rankings are determined through a collaborative process involving official handicappers from 12 major racing jurisdictions. Each race is assessed based on a horse’s performance relative to the competition and track conditions.

• Rating System: Horses receive a numerical rating based on their best performance, with 120 considered elite and scores above 130 extremely rare.
• Panel Consensus: A global panel of handicappers meets annually to finalize the rankings, ensuring consistency and fairness across regions.
• Performance Window: Only races run between January 1 and December 31, 2016 were eligible for consideration in the 2016 rankings.
• Weight Adjustments: Ratings account for weight carried during races, with allowances made for younger or less experienced horses.
• Track Conditions: Handicappers adjust ratings based on track firmness, weather, and other environmental factors affecting race times.
• Competition Quality: Beating higher-rated rivals increases a horse’s score, as seen when Arrogate defeated the then-world leader California Chrome.

Comparison at a Glance

The table below compares the top five racehorses in the 2016 World's Best Racehorse Rankings by rating, major wins, and country of origin.

These rankings highlight the dominance of U.S.-based horses in 2016, with Arrogate and California Chrome separating themselves from international competition. However, European and Australian contenders like Found and Winx also demonstrated world-class ability on turf surfaces, showing the diversity of racing styles and strengths across regions.

Why It Matters

The World's Best Racehorse Rankings serve as a benchmark for excellence in global Thoroughbred racing, influencing breeding value, race invitations, and public recognition. They also help fans and analysts compare performances across different tracks, distances, and countries.

• Global Recognition: A high ranking boosts a horse’s international reputation, often increasing stud value and sponsorship opportunities.
• Breeding Industry: Stallions with top rankings command higher stud fees, as breeders seek to replicate elite performance.
• Race Strategy: Trainers use rankings to target matchups against similarly rated horses in major international events.
• Historical Record: The rankings create a permanent archive of performance, allowing comparisons across decades.
• Media Coverage: High rankings generate publicity, helping promote the sport to broader audiences.
• Equine Welfare: By highlighting peak performance, the rankings encourage responsible training and competition practices.

The 2016 edition remains notable for the rise of Arrogate, whose dramatic win in the Breeders' Cup Classic propelled him to the top and marked a shift in global racing dominance.