York staged the best race in the world last year.
The Juddmonte International was crowned the 2020 Longines World’s Best Race by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
The Juddmonte International is York Racecourse’s flagship race and is the feature of the opening day of the Ebor Festival.
It was ranked number one of all thoroughbred horse races across the globe, ahead of contests such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Breeders’ Cup Classic and Japan Cup.
This accolade follows the news that after its last full season, York was voted the Racecourse of the Year by both the Racehorse Owners Association (joint with Chester) and The Racegoers Club.
Director of international racing of the British Horseracing Authority, Ruth Quinn, said: “It is excellent news for York, and for British racing, that the Juddmonte International has once again been recognised as the strongest race in the world.
“Its roll of honour features some of the great names of the turf and 2020’s typically strong renewal did not disappoint, with Ghaiyyath putting up a resounding performance to defeat a field stacked with Group 1 experience and wins.”
Racecourse chief executive and clerk of the course William Derby said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of the quality of racing at York.
“Everyone associated with York is delighted and honoured to win this prestigious award from the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee.
“It means that the Juddmonte International sits on top of the world, higher ranked than more than one hundred thousand horseraces staged globally.
“It is a tribute to all the hard work and effort invested by the York Race Committee, Juddmonte and all the team at York, so I could not be more proud.”