Sierra Leone Returns to Elite Status in Longines Rankings Following Whitney Victory
Longines has updated its World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, with Whitney Stakes winner Sierra Leone rejoining the elite tier following his impressive performance at Saratoga Race Course on August 2.
The Chad Brown-trained son of Gun Runner earned a 120 rating after his characteristic late-running victory in the Grade I Whitney, where he closed from the back of the pack to win by a length.
Sierra Leone, owned by the partnership of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith, continues to build on his resume after earning Eclipse Champion 3-year-old honors last season.
The global rankings continue to feature a three-way tie at the top with Field of Gold (Ire), Forever Young (Jpn), and Ombudsman (Ire) all rated at 127. Field of Gold recently finished fourth in the G1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, while Ombudsman was runner-up in the G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park. Forever Young has been inactive since finishing third in the G1 Dubai World Cup.
Delacroix (Ire), who defeated Ombudsman in the Coral-Eclipse, maintains his position at 126, tied with Hong Kong champions Ka Ying Rising (NZ) and Romantic Warrior (Ire).
Among U.S.-based contenders, multiple Grade I winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) remains at 125 as he targets the upcoming GI DraftKings Travers Stakes. White Abarrio (Race Day), rated at 124, is reportedly considering a westward journey for the GI Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar.
The complete updated rankings are available through the Longines official website.
