Racing: Makybe Diva tops world rankings

MELBOURNE - Three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva is the world's best filly or mare and the highest rated stayer beyond 2700m, according to the World Thoroughbred Rankings released yesterday by the International Federation of Horse Authorities.

The rankings, which are compiled collaboratively by handicappers from around the globe, rate Makybe Diva as the highest rated filly or mare in the world and the best of either sex at a distance of 2700m or further.

She was rated at 124 in the latest release, which covers the period from May 1 to November 2 this year, following her history-making Melbourne Cup triumph.

It eclipsed her previous highest rating of 119.

Former Australian Starcraft has been ranked equal eighth in the world overall with Makybe Diva on 124 and is the top-ranked older miler (1600m) on turf following his win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Newmarket.

US Breeders' Cup Classic winner Saint Liam (USA), French champion Bago (FR) and Afleet Alex (USA) all share the 124 rating.

This year's Prix de l'Arc Triomphe winner, the Andre Fabre-trained three-year-old Hurricane Run, has been ranked at the top of the list with a rating of 130.

Another Australian to feature in the rankings is veteran eight-year-old Fields Of Omagh who achieved his highest-ever rating of 118, putting him in the top 50 horses in the world.

Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said Makybe Diva was finally given the credit she deserved, as the world's best mare.

"By carrying 58kg in the Melbourne Cup the win ensured she was recognised internationally for the champion she is," Carpenter said.

Her win smashed her own weight-carrying record of 55.5kg set last year. She was also the highest-weighted winner of the Cup since Think Big won his second Melbourne Cup with 58.5kg in 1975.

The last horse to carry more than weight-for-age and win the Cup was Rain Lover, who was 2kg over when he won his second in 1969 with 60.5kg.

Australian-bred six-year-old Silent Witness affirmed his position as the world's champion sprinter after winning the final leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, the Sprinters' Stakes in Japan, and was rated 123.

The Hong Kong-based star is Melbourne-bound next February for the first leg of the 2006 Global Sprint Challenge, the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on February 4.

The final rankings for 2005, taking in all performances during the calendar year, will be released by the federation following the Hong Kong international meeting to be held in the middle of next month.

- AAP