Ghaiyyath named Longines World's Best Racehorse of 2020 for Juddmonte International win

Ghaiyyath was crowned the Longines World’s Best Racehorse on Tuesday, his official international rating of 130 the best in the world during 2020.

Frankie Dettori was named Longines World’s Best Jockey in a virtual ceremony emanating from London, where the awards are annually hosted.

The World’s Best Racehorse Award comes from ratings generated throughout the year by a committee of racing officials assembled under the banner of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Ghaiyyath’s performance in the Juddmonte International earned him the 130 as the International on Tuesday was feted as the World’s Best Horse Race of 2020.

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Ghaiyyath, who has been retired to stud, came strongly to hand during 2020, his 5-year-old season, for trainer Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. Ghaiyyath began his campaign winning the Dubai Millennium Stakes at Meydan in February before shipping back to England. Galloping his opposition into submission blending speed and stamina, Ghaiyyath won the Group 1 Coronation Cup over 1 1/2 miles and the Group 1 Eclipse at 1 1/4 miles before his International success. In his final start before being retired to stud, Ghaiyyath was defeated by Magical in the Irish Champion Stakes. Ghaiyyath is by Dubawi out of Nightime, by Galileo.

Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic-winner Authentic was the second-highest rated horse, his Breeders' Cup Classic earning a 126.

Dettori was named World’s Best Jockey for the fourth time. The award is judged through performance in the top 100 Group 1 or Grade 1 races of the year as determined by the IFHA committee.