Diligently researched ranking lists are useful, albeit inevitably controversial, ways to measure racing ability around the world. The thoughtful team at excellent website thoroughbredracing.com led by super-sussed analyst James Willoughby, are constantly updating their TRC Global Horse Rankings. Their current Top Ten looks like this, (in descending order): Enable, Ghaiyyath, Maximum Security, Stradivarius, Almond Eye, Love, Magical, Tiz the Law, Battaash and Beauty Generation.

The rankings are fluid, influenced by shifting Racing Post Ratings and other rigorous statistical methodology to render them as accurate as possible, at any given point. Accordingly, there might be a slight shuffle after seventh ranked Magical out-duelled Ghaiyyath in a tremendous Irish Champions Stakes on the emerald turf @ Leopardstown over the weekend.

There are three SA horses in the Top 100: Summer Pudding is 52nd; Hawwaam is 88th and Celtic Sea sneaks in at 99.

To engender some lively debate, consider the TRC Global Jockey Rankings as of the 6th September 2020: Frankie Dettori, William Buick, Christophe Lemaire, Moore, Joel Rosario, Irad Ortiz, Zac Purton, Flavien Prat, James McDonald and Mike Smith make a formidable group of elite riders.

Best of the South African’s is Richard Fourie at 49, followed by Anton Marcus (57) Lyle Hewitson (68) Warren Kennedy (79) and Craig Zackey (89.)

Who would qualify on your Top Ten list for internationally renowned trainer’s? According to the TRC’s ranking algorithm, they have placed John Gosden on top, tracked by Chad Brown, Charlie Appleby, Aidan O Brien, Bob Baffert, Brad Cox, James Cummings, Chris Waller, Steve Asmussen and Jamie Richards from New Zealand.

Three South African trainers make it into the Top 100 worldwide – Justin Snaith @ 37, Sean Tarry (48) and Mike de Kock (67.)

There were no significant fireworks on local race- tracks as we are currently in between feature seasons with required AHS vaccinations taking place and most of the better horses still being kept under wraps for the time being.

A fair Highveld performance was delivered by Sell High (speed score 96) who came with a well- timed run under Striker Strydom to win over 1800m at Turffontein. In his prime, the balanced and skilful Strydom would have ranked high up any global jockey list. He helped this Mambo in Seattle gelding correct a sequence of four consecutive second place finishes, as they just denied Category Four (who had won three of his last four starts) in a medium grade MR 88 handicap.

There weren’t any earth-shattering performance at Scottsville either, though Lord Wylie got a neat figure of 90 when shedding his Maiden, ridden by Oz bound hoop, Donavan Dillon. Later on, 1000m specialist Great Shaka (s/s 95), Farland (s/s 94) and mare, Ariano’’s Shadow (s/s 92 +) also got their turns in No 1 box.