Golden Horn best horse in training after new rating

Golden Horn wins the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Golden Horn has received an Official Rating of 130 from BHA Head of Handicapping, Phil Smith after becoming the first horse since Sea The Stars to achieve the Investec Derby and Coral-Eclipse double at the weekend.

The new rating, if ratified by International handicappers, would make John Gosden’s star the world’s best horse in training.

“Since 1996 the only other British-trained three-year-old to post a performance of 130 has been Frankel” said Smith.

“I would be disappointed if Golden Horn cannot go on and prove himself better than 130 as the season progresses as he is clearly a fast improving colt who on Saturday showed his versatility by making the running for the first time.

“If agreed by the International Handicappers this week, it will make Golden Horn the highest rated horse in the world so far this year. Look out for publication of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings on Thursday for confirmation of his rating.

“Life will become harder for Golden Horn as the three-year-old weight for age allowance reduces by 2lbs per month across each distance as the season progresses but I have little doubt that he will be able to take that in his stride and continue to show that he is equally effective at ten furlongs and twelve furlongs.”