Magnitude moves up to fourth in latest World’s Best Racehorse Rankings; Ka Ying Rising remains on top
- Turf Diario
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
The son of Not This Time climbed several spots following his Dubai World Cup victory and is now tied for fourth with Croix du Nord and Royal Champion; Ka Ying Rising remains on top
The latest edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings has shaken up the international landscape, with significant movement among the elite following a high-octane start to the 2026 season across Japan, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.
At the heart of the standings, a three-way tie for fourth place highlights the competitive parity currently dominating global turf. Sharing a 122 rating are Croix du Nord (JPN), Magnitude, and Royal Champion (IRE)—three runners from vastly different backgrounds now converging at the top of the sport.
Japan’s Croix du Nord (Kitasan Black) earned his mark in his seasonal debut, capturing the Osaka Hai (G1) with authority over Meisho Tabaru (120) and Danon Decile (118). Meanwhile, Magnitude (Not This Time) emerged as one of the stars of the Dubai World Cup meeting, seeing his rating vault from 117 to 122 after a one-length victory over Forever Young (JPN) (123) in the Dubai World Cup (G1).
Meydan served as a massive platform for other top-ten contenders as well. Calandagan (IRE), the world’s highest-rated horse of 2025, returned to winning ways in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) to post a 121. Additionally, Ombudsman (GB) entered the conversation with a 120 following a sharp score in the Dubai Turf (G1).
In Australia, the undefeated Autumn Glow (AUS) continues her perfect ascent. Her victory in the George Ryder Stakes (G1) saw her rating rise to 120, officially making her the highest-rated female in the world today.
The current rankings include performances between January 1 and April 5, 2026. With established stars validating their class and new challengers emerging from every corner of the globe, the race for the 2026 world title is heating up.
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