Calandagan is the new world number one following his victory at Ascot

The Aga Khan’s superstar has taken over the top spot in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, and it looks like he won’t be giving it up anytime soon…

Calandagan delivered a dazzling performance on Champions Day / RACINGPHOTOS.COM

Calandagan was officially crowned the world’s best racehorse of 2025 following his dominant victory in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot. Assigned a 130 rating, the Aga Khan homebred—trained by Francis-Henri Graffard—ascended to the top of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, capping an exceptional campaign that firmly establishes him as Europe’s standout performer.

The Gleneagles colt left no room for debate throughout the season. After decisive wins in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1), he arrived at Champions Day poised for coronation—and delivered with authority. At Ascot, Calandagan controlled the race on his terms, defeating Ombudsman (Night of Thunder) 128128 by 2¼ lengths, with Almaqam (Lope de Vega) 122122 third and Delacroix(Dubawi) 126126 a nose behind in fourth. His jump from 125 to 130 reflects not only his consistency but also his ability to excel across surfaces and distances—qualities that distinguish him on the world stage.

Graffard, enjoying a superb year, returns to the global spotlight with a complete, resilient and mentally sharp colt, while the Aga Khan continues to showcase the enduring strength of a breeding operation synonymous with champions.

Across the Atlantic, the LONGINES Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) reshaped the rankings immediately behind Calandagan. Forever Young (Real Steel) 127127 reaffirmed his brilliance with a half-length win over Sierra Leone(Gun Runner) 126126, who climbed six points. Already a historic figure for Japan after his Saudi Derby (G1) victory and Kentucky Derby (G1) placing, Forever Young’s Del Mar triumph further cements his status as one of the great horses of the decade.

For Sierra Leone, the runner-up finish was a powerful statement. The Chad Brown trainee—already enjoying a top-class season—again proved his elite consistency, while Fierceness (City of Light) 125125 finished third, confirming his rebound after mid-year fluctuations. Fourth came Journalism (Curlin) 121121, just 2½ lengths behind; the classic-placed colt continues to hold his own among the world’s best, nudging his rating from 120 to 121.

The Breeders’ Cup also produced notable moves in other divisions. Notable Speech (Dubawi) 122122 improved his mark after winning the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), adding to his Woodbine Mile (G1) success in another banner year for the Godolphin–Charlie Appleby team. Over the turf marathon trip, Ireland’s Ethical Diamond(Awtaad) 121121 delivered a breakout performance to win the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), while the lightning-fast Shisospicy (Mitole) 120120 captured the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) to join the elite ranks.

In Japan, the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1) produced a top new entry in Masquerade Ball (Duramente) 121121, whose high-quality win at Tokyo stamped him as a rising force. Meanwhile, Mikki Fight (Drefong) 120120 entered the rankings through his success in the JBC Classic (G1), reinforcing Japan’s increasingly formidable global presence alongside Europe and the United States.

With only a handful of major races remaining on the calendar, Calandagan sits atop the rankings with commanding authority. His trio of G1 triumphs and unwavering high-level consistency make him the defining emblem of a season marked by depth, diversity and exceptional international talent. Behind him, Forever Young, Sierra Leone, and Delacroix round out what will be remembered as one of the most competitive global seasons in recent years.