Japan gains ground in the world rankings following the Breeders’ Cup

Danon Decile and T O Elvis (pictured) reached 124 points in the latest Longines update, which also highlighted strong gains from Deterministic, The Puma, and Talk Of New York

The closing days of October and early November produced significant shifts across the international racing landscape.The ninth edition of the 2026 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, released by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), strongly reflected the impact of the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and Japan’s Tenno Sho (Autumn)—two demanding stages that enabled several standout performers to elevate or debut their ratings.

Japan once again claimed center stage, this time through two runners of contrasting profiles: Danon Decile and T O Elvis, both earning ratings of 124. The former built his figure on the turf at Tokyo, while the latter achieved his on American dirt, underscoring a versatility that has become one of the defining strengths of Japanese racing.

Danon Decile, a son of Epiphaneia and winner of the 2024 Japanese Derby, rediscovered his peak form in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1-2000 m). With Keita Tosaki aboard, the Shogo Yasuda trainee surged from off the pace with an unstoppable late run to draw clear by 2 1/2 lengths over Nebra Disk (Duramente). It was a commanding display,sufficient to enter the rankings at 124 while recalling his previous top-flight triumphs, including the 2025 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1).

Even more distinctive was the rise of T O Elvis, a United States-bred son of Volatile conditioned in Japan. His striking victory in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) over 1200 meters at Keeneland lifted his rating from 120 to 124.Ridden by Ryusei Sakai, he defeated Englishman (Maxfield) by 1 1/4 lengths, with the runner-up rated at 122. The result was hardly an isolated flash: T O Elvis had already demonstrated his affinity for North American dirt in the spring by capturing the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1).

The Kentucky championship meeting also shook up the turf division. Deterministic (Liam's Map), one of the most reliable milers of the U.S. season, was awarded a rating of 122 following his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1),where he turned back the highly regarded Notable Speech (Dubawi)—rated at 125—by 3/4 of a length. The winner thus capped a banner campaign that also featured triumphs in the Fourstardave Stakes (G1) and Manhattan Stakes (G1), three Grade 1 scores that place him firmly among the division's elite.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), meanwhile, propelled The Puma (Essential Quality) into the rankings at 122. His runner-up effort behind Sovereignty (Into Mischief), who sits on 125, cemented the upward trajectory he launched with his victory in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1). In that contest he defeated Further Ado (Gun Runner), subsequent winner of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1)—a form line that puts the depth and quality of his opposition into clear perspective.

European form was also well represented. British runner Talk Of New York (Wootton Bassett) entered the list at 123 on the strength of his triumph in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1), one of the marquee events of British Champions Day at Ascot. He prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths over Ten Bob Tony (Night of Thunder), rated at 121,confirming the promise he had previously shown in winning the Joel Stakes (G2).

The rankings evaluate horses aged three and older that competed between January 1 and November 8. Rather than tallying victories or prize money, the figures measure the quality of individual performances, taking into account the caliber of rivals, winning margins, and specific race conditions.

For context, in the previous release Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) retained the world lead at 135, followed by Ombudsman (Night of Thunder, 131) and the now-retired Daryz (Sea the Stars, 128). Bow Echo (Night of Thunder), also retired from training, holds fourth at 127, while Item (Frankel) sits fifth one point behind.

The latest list puts the spotlight on those who seized the major autumn championships to elevate their international standing—and once again demonstrates that the pursuit of racing excellence knows no borders.