Ka Ying Rising and Ombudsman remain at the top of the world; Sovereignty makes a massive leap

The Hong Kong sprinter and Godolphin's superstar retain their 131 rating to share the lead in the sixth edition of the 2026 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Bow Echo stands alone in third, while the Whitney winner climbed to 125

Ka Ying Rising and Ombudsman continue to look down on the competition from the summit. Holding a rating of 131 apiece, they remain the highest-rated horses on the planet in the sixth edition of the 2026 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, though significant movement occurred behind them following recent major results.

Ka Ying Rising recently resumed training following a scheduled break, while Ombudsman faces one of the most anticipated engagements of the European summer in the upcoming Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York.

Third place now belongs solely to the recently retired Bow Echo (Night of Thunder), who saw his rating rise from 126 to 127 following his victory in the Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood. The undefeated colt concluded an flawless career of six wins from as many starts by holding off Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) by a half-length, with the runner-up now rated 125. Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath), third in the contest, sits at 124, while fourth-place finisher Ten Bob Tony (Night of Thunder) reached 121.

The result reconfirmed a margin Bow Echo had previously established over Gstaad, having already defeated him in both the 2000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket and the St James’s Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot.

However, that performance at Goodwood proved to be the final chapter of his brief yet brilliant career. An injury detected while preparing for the Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1) prompted his definitive retirement, leaving his 127 rating as the high-water mark of his track ability.

Another major mover was Scandinavia (Camelot), impressive winner of the Goodwood Cup (G1). His decisive 8 1/2-length victory elevated his rating from 123 to 125, placing him firmly among the top elite.

Also reaching 125 was Sovereignty (Into Mischief), who restored his championship form with a 4 3/4-length victory in the Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. The 2025 American Horse of the Year had dropped his first two starts of the season, but his commanding display in the historic New York feature saw his rating climb from 122. The son of Into Mischief re-established his place among the global stars and reinforced his position heading toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), his primary goal for the end of the season.

Among other performances delivering a strong impact on the rankings was Kalpana (Study of Man), who reached 124 points after defeating Calandagan (Gleneagles)—also rated 124—by 1 1/2 lengths in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot. Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel), third by half a length behind the runner-up, was assigned 123. Meanwhile, Item (Frankel) entered the rankings with a 122 rating following a 2 3/4-length victory in the York Stakes (G2).

With plenty of the racing calendar remaining, the tie between Ka Ying Rising and Ombudsman keeps the battle for world supremacy wide open. York could soon offer a decisive answer: Ombudsman will have another opportunity to defend his position at the top—and perhaps claim sole possession of it—in the Juddmonte International. Meanwhile, Ka Ying Rising is back on the track preparing for his return. The race to be named the world's best horse of 2026 is as active as ever.