In association with the Longines World Racing Awards, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has published its annual list of Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races.
The ranked list is compiled using the annual race ratings, which are calculated based on the first four finishers in each race. Longines and the IFHA use this list to determine the winner of the annual Longines World's Best Horse Race Award.
The 2025 runnings of the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) and Japan Cup in association with Longines (G1) have been honoured as the co-highest rated races in the world. This is the first time there has been a tie. Both races achieved a rating of 126.25. This is the first time the Champion Stakes has won the award, and it is the second time the Japan Cup has won the title. The Japan Cup was first celebrated in 2023.
The remaining Top 10 rated races are the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (125.50), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (125.00), Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (124.00), Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (123.75), Coral-Eclipse (123.25), Prince of Wales’s Stakes (122.25), Tenno Sho (Autumn) (122.25), Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) (121.50), Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (121.50), and the Tattersalls Gold Cup (121.50). Because of a tie for the 10th position, there are 12 races in the 2025 Top 10.
The top rated races in the five respective distance categories are the Tab Everest Stakes (121.00-Sprint); Saudi Cup (121.00-Mile); Champion Stakes (126.25-Intermediate); Japan Cup (126.25-Long); and the Gold Cup (117.50-Extended).
The Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (116.75) is the highest rated race for fillies/mares, while the highest rated 3-year-old race is the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (121.50).
Ten countries comprise this year's list, representing the foremost racing events throughout the world across 37 different racecourses. Great Britain leads all countries with 20 total races, followed by Australia (19), United States (16), Japan (15), Hong Kong SAR, China (11), France (10), Ireland (4), United Arab Emirates (3), Germany (1), and Saudi Arabia (1).
In the context of their partnership, Longines and the IFHA have created a set of prizes rewarding racehorses, jockeys and prominent women and men of the equestrian world. The Longines World's Best Horse Race was created to complete this collection of awards by rewarding the top race in the world. The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe won the title in 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, and it was the inaugural winner in 2015. The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic won in 2022 and 2016, and the Juddmonte International Stakes was victorious in 2020 and 2024.
The Top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races also serve as the base of an annual competition to recognize top jockeys throughout the world. The jockey who outperforms his or her peers in these races is honoured with the Longines World's Best Jockey Award, and James McDonald won the title for the third time in 2025. He also won in 2024 and 2022. Ryan Moore won the award in 2023, 2021, 2016, and was the inaugural winner in 2014. Frankie Dettori has also won four times, with his victories coming in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2015. Hugh Bowman won the title in 2017.
The 2026 Longines World's Best Jockey Award will be based upon performances in these 100 highest-rated Group 1 and Grade 1 races from 1 December 2025 until 30 November 2026. Jockeys accrue 12 points for a win, 6 points for placing second, and 4 points for placing third.
About Longines
Based in Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaking company Longines wields expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships, and as partner of international sports federations, Longines has built strong and long-lasting relationships in the world of sport over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd., the world’s leading watch manufacturer. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries.
Longines International Communications: publicrelations@longines.com
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About IFHA
The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International race planning and grading (“black type”)
- World rankings
- The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
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