Dundeel & Lankan Rupee among world’s best in 2014

The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings released last week have confirmed the ratings of Dundeel and Lankan Rupee among the leading global performers in 2014.

Dundeel, who signed off on a stellar racing career with a spectacular victory in the ATC Queen Elizabeth S. G1 at The Championships in April, was rated 122, the best figure achieved by any Australasian performer in the Intermediate (1900m-2100m) category. It places him among the world’s best nine horses on turf at that distance, a group headed by Juddmonte International Stakes winner Australia (127).

Dundeel (High Chaparral-Stareel by Zabeel) was named New Zealand Horse of the Year and retired to stud at Arrowfield last Spring with six Group 1 victories from 1600m to 2400m on his record. He served a quality book of 132 mares including Arrowfield’s champion Miss Finland and Group winners Aliyana Tilde & Sharnee Rose, as well as proven producers Ain’t Seen Nothin’, Johan’s Toy, Joy Ride, Lady of Choice and Lunaspur,

In a history-making year for champion sire Redoute’s Choice, his son Lankan Rupee (ex Estelle Collection by Stravinsky) supplied many highlights, including three scintillating Group 1 victories and the Australian Horse of the Year title.

The 5YO Teeley Assets homebred ended 2014 alongside Terravista at the head of the Sprint (1000m-1300m) category with a rating of 123. Australia completed its domination of the year’s short-course racing with Chautauqua third on 122.

Other Australian-breds rated among the leading sprinters were Arrowfield graduate Not Listenin’tome and Flying Spur’s Singapore champion  Zac Spirit (both awarded a figure of 115).