City of Troy and Laurel River have been named the Longines World’s Best Racehorses for 2024. This rare tie marks the first shared title since 2019. These two champions earned their accolades through incredible performances in some of the world’s top races. Let’s dive into the details of their achievements and the global recognition of other racing stars.
The Achievements of City of Troy
City of Troy, owned by Coolmore, had a stellar 2024 season. His standout performance came in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes, held at York Racecourse. This race not only earned him a rating of 128 but was also named the World’s Best Horse Race of 2024.
Other major victories for City of Troy include:
- Betfred Derby (G1)
- Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1)
City of Troy’s trainer, Aidan O’Brien, and jockey, Ryan Moore, expressed immense pride. Moore described the Juddmonte victory as the best racehorse performance he has ever witnessed.
Laurel River’s Dominance on Dirt
Laurel River, bred and owned by Juddmonte, shone brightly in 2024 with a remarkable victory in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup. His record-breaking 8.5-length win earned him the co-title as the world’s best horse, alongside City of Troy.
At seven years old, Laurel River is preparing for more races, with his next appearance scheduled at Meydan as a lead-up to the prestigious Saudi Cup. Trainer Bhupat Seemar praised Laurel River, noting his significance as one of Juddmonte’s last homebred champions.
Top Horses from Around the World
Several other horses achieved high rankings in the 2024 Longines standings:
- Via Sistina: The top filly, rated 127, with wins across two continents.
- Sierra Leone: Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, tied for fifth with a rating of 125.
- Fierceness: Travers Stakes winner, also tied for fifth.
- Charyn: Ranked tenth for his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory.
A total of 273 horses from 15 countries received ratings of 115 or higher, showcasing the global appeal of horse racing.
The World’s Best Races of 2024
The Juddmonte International Stakes was crowned the best race of 2024, with a top rating of 124.25. Other highly rated events included:
- Travers Stakes (123.75)
- King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (122.75)
- Japan Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic (122.50)
These races highlighted top performances across continents, from the United States to Japan and Europe.
The 2024 Longines Racing Awards celebrated the world’s best horses, races, and jockeys, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication in the sport. City of Troy and Laurel River, two champions with unmatched performances, now share a place in racing history. The global recognition of races like the Juddmonte International further showcases the international love for horse racing. As fans and industry insiders look forward to 2025, the sport’s future remains as thrilling as ever.
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