Laurel River takes top spot in world's best racehorse rankings

After his dominant victory in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup, Laurel River leads the second edition of the world’s best racehorse rankings for 2024.

Laurel River took the lead early in the Dubai World Cup and was never challenged. He pulled away to win by 8 1/2 lengths over Ushba Tesoro, while Señor Buscador finished a neck behind in third. Laurel River came into the race having won the Burj Nahaar (G3) by 6 3/4 lengths earlier in March.

Several other horses put in notable performances during the Dubai World Cup card as well. As a result of his victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), Rebel's Romance improved his rating to 123 from 120 and is now the second-highest rated horse in the world. In the Sheema Classic, Rebel’s Romance defeated Shahryar by two lengths. He came into the race having won the H H The Amir Trophy (G3) by three lengths in February.

Meanwhile, Facteur Cheval joins the rankings in the co-fifth position following his win in the Dubai Turf (G1). He took the contest by a short head in his first start of the year. Additionally, Tuz is now ranked 11th after winning the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) by 6 1/2 lengths.

Elsewhere, Fierceness also joined the top 5 after his explosive victory in the Florida Derby (G1), which he won by 13 1/2 lengths. It was his second start of the season after finishing third in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) in February.

The rankings are compiled by the world’s best racehorse rankings committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Click here for the complete rankings.