U.S.-based horses Nysos, Knightsbridge, and Skippylongstocking rank among the world's best in the inaugural 2026 edition of the best racehorse rankings. Nysos holds the highest position at No. 5 after a strong second-place finish in the Saudi Cup. The rankings, covering races from January 1 to March 8, highlight global talent led by Hong Kong's Ka Ying Rising.
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities published the first edition of the world's best racehorse rankings for 2026, compiled by a committee of experts. These rankings assess 3-year-olds and older horses based on performances between January 1 and March 8.
Ka Ying Rising from Hong Kong tops the list with an unbeaten streak of 18 races. The sprinter won the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup by 1 1/4 lengths over Helios Express and followed with a 3 1/2-length victory in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup against the same rival.
Among U.S. contenders, Nysos ranks No. 5. Trained by Bob Baffert, the horse finished second to No. 3-ranked Forever Young in the Group 1 Saudi Cup, ending a four-race winning streak. Nysos now holds a record of 7 wins and 2 seconds in 9 starts.
Knightsbridge shares No. 7 in a four-way tie. Under trainer Bill Mott, the 5-year-old son of Nyquist has won three straight graded stakes, including the Gulfstream Park Mile (G3).
Skippylongstocking ties for No. 11 with three others. The 7-year-old earned his first Grade 1 victory in January's Pegasus World Cup Invitational, bringing his record to 13 wins from 36 starts and earnings of $5.4 million.
In a separate discussion on the HorseCenter podcast, experts Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman shared their top 10 ballots for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's poll. Zipse ranked Forever Young No. 1 for his wins in the Breeders' Cup Classic and Saudi Cup, while Shifman placed Sovereignty at the top as the reigning horse of the year returning to training under Bill Mott. Their lists include overlapping horses like Nysos, Knightsbridge, and Skippylongstocking, reflecting early-season form and past achievements.
