Harry’s the world’s best sprinter

Godolphin’s brilliant Harry Angel is the best sprinter in the world — and that’s official.

The multiple G1 winner has been given a rating of 125 in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, released on Tuesday, 23 January, a mark that placed him clear of his global sprinting rivals.

The winner of the G1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket and the G1 Haydock 32Red Sprint Cup, Harry Angel has been described by his trainer Clive Cox as ‘very special.’

Speaking from Dubai, Cox said: “I am very proud of him. For a three-year-old to collect the accolade ‘best sprinter in the world’ is exceptional, and I think there is better to come from him in 2018.

“He has wintered extremely well. I will discuss plans with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, but I would naturally like to aim ‘Harry’ at Royal Ascot’s G1 Diamond Jubilee and then the G1 Darley July Cup again.

“With that in mind, he could well start his campaign in the G2 Duke Of York Stakes at York in May,” he pointed out.

Harry Angel was bought by Godolphin to stay with Cox at his Lambourn yard.

“I am very grateful to Sheikh Mohammed for having purchased Harry Angel and then having the faith and confidence to leave the horse with me,” the trainer added.

The Longines Rankings featured several highlights for Godolphin. Apart from Harry Angel’s triumph in the sprinting division, Ribchester (124) was the world’s top-ranked specialist miler, 1lb ahead of Churchill (123), while the Andre Fabre-trained Cloth Of Stars (125) was ranked equal 7th on the list.

The Longines World’s Best Racehorse for 2017 is Arrogate (134), who won the G1 Pegasus at Gulfstream Park, Florida, and the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan, but then suffered three defeats at Del Mar.

He finished his career with a well-beaten fifth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic in November, something of an anti-climax considering his outstanding Dubai performance in March. 

Winx (132) was second on the list but is clearly the world’s best Turf horse for 2017, while Cracksman (130) and Enable (128) are ranked next.