THE KING (AMERICAN PHAROAH ) ON TOP

Although both Golden Horn and Treve posted impressive victories over the course of the past month, neither was able to displace Triple Crown winner American Pharoah from the top of the eighth edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2015.

The rankings are based on races from Jan. 1-Oct. 4. American Pharoah has earned a 131, Golden Horn, 130, and Treve, 126, in the current ratings.

In the span of three weeks, Golden Horn was victorious in the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-I) and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I), and remains rated at his previously achieved 130. The talented 3-year-old colt will retire to stud at the end of year, however, owner Anthony Oppenheimer indicated Golden Horn is under serious consideration for the upcoming Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT).

Treve finished fourth behind Golden Horn in the Arc after devastating her rivals in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Fr-I). With her recent exploits, Treve's rating improved from 124 to 126, making her the third-highest rated horse in the world. The 5-year-old mare, who was the co-highest rated horse of 2013, has now been retired to broodmare duties.

American Pharoah did not race in the past month. He is preparing for a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) Oct. 31 at Keeneland. The other U.S.-trained horse in the top five is Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) winner Shared Belief, with a 125, tied for fourth with Able Friend.

The ever-consistent Flintshire (123) was second in the Arc, while rankings newcomer New Bay (122) was third. Golden Horn was two lengths clear of Flintshire, but only a neck and a nose separated second from fourth place. In his prior start, New Bay took the Qatar Prix Niel (Fr-II) by 2 1/2 lengths.

The Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings are compiled by the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

The ratings are compiled under the auspices of the IFHA by racing officials and handicappers representing the five continents who compile the ranking order by agreeing on the rating for each horse. The ratings are based on the performance of horses in elite races held during the designated period, taking into account the quality of opposition and achievements of each horse. according to IFHA.

Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings
Leading Horses
Rank Horse Rating Trained
1 American Pharoah 131 USA
2 Golden Horn 130 GB
3 Treve 126 FR
4 Able Friend 125 HK
4 Shared Belief 125 USA
6 Solow 124 FR