International panel names Arrogate best horse of 2016
Arrogate was honored by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities as the world’s best racehorse at a ceremony in London on Tuesday.
The IFHA publishes ratings set by a panel of international handicappers for the top racehorses worldwide several times each year, and the highest-rated runner during a season is feted as the world’s best racehorse. Arrogate earned that distinction for 2016 with a rating of 134, which was achieved in his epic Breeders’ Cup Classic victory over California Chrome going 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita.
The BC Classic also was named the World’s Best Horse Race by the IFHA and sponsor Longines at the ceremony.
California Chrome was the second-highest-rated horse in the world last year at 133, and is set to do battle one more time with Arrogate on Saturday in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. California Chrome goes to stud following the Pegasus.
Four-year-old Arrogate, by Unbridled’s Song, is owned by Juddmonte Farms and trained by Bob Baffert.
The third highest rating of 2016, 132, went to the star Australian mare Winx.