Winx, Cracksman share World's Best Racehorse 2018 title
Following three straight years of U.S. runners named the Longines World's Best Racehorse, an Australian mare who stole American racing fans' hearts shared the title announced Wednesday.
Winx, who carries into her 8-year-old season a string of 29 straight victories, finished tied with Europe's Cracksman atop the final rankings, with connections to both horses on hand in London to receive the award.
"She's made us all look pretty special," said Winx's trainer, Chris Waller. "That's the best way of describing her. She's a...once in a lifetime horse. I've got a great team behind me that, they're in awe of her every day during this long journey. For whatever reason, she just keeps running consistently well year in and year out at this high level."
The last time horses shared the Longines World's Best Racehorse title, the tie also involved a top Australian female, Black Caviar, who in 2013 finished even with the European Treve. Following Japan's Just a Away in 2014, American Pharoah (2015) and Arrogate (2016-2017) took hold for the U.S.
The Longines World's Best Racehorse awards a single top performance, with ratings assigned by a committee of handicappers around the globe. Winx received her top mark early in 2018 while winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) back in April at Royal Randwick. Cracksman saved his best for last, meanwhile, notching a 130 in his career finale, October's Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot.
Cracksman is off to stand at Darley's Dalham Hall Stud this year. Winx will campaign in 2019, with connections often saying it's "one race at a time" beginning with the Feb. 16 Apollo Stakes.
Accelerate, the American Horse of the Year finalist who won the Breeders' Cup Classic, finished third in the World's Best Racehorse rankings, also making him the highest-rated dirt horse on the globe.
"To have a champion horse like Accelerate has exceeded our dreams," said Stephanie Hronis, representing owner Hronis Racing. "...It's still being absorbed -- the wins."
Also Wednesday, the World's Best Race, the 2018 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe won by Enable, was recognized by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
Winners were each awarded Longines timepieces.