King George epic reflects how tight it is at top as three tie for leading spot

It may have wanted for quality, but there was no lack of competition on the figures among the leading horses last year, as demonstrated by the unprecedented three-way tie for top spot in the 2019 Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings.

That the King George 1-2-3 of Enable, Crystal Ocean and Waldgeist have all been given an official rating of 128 might have the look of a fudge, but with only four previous ties in the last 30 years of classifications (albeit with two of those coming since 2013) it's more likely just a reflection of how tight it was at the top last year.

Although Crystal Ocean gets the nod on Racing Post Ratings with a mark of 129 for his gallant attempt to concede 3lb to Enable at Ascot, there was clearly very little between the leading performers and a case can be made for any of the three to claim top billing. For our money the King George form gives Crystal Ocean the edge, but the rankings committee have taken the opportunity to bump Enable's figure up through her easy Yorkshire Oaks success in what amounted to a match with Magical.