The 2025 European Flat racing season has delivered some unforgettable performances — and a few standout stars who have risen above the rest. From established older horses to emerging three-year-olds, the ratings tell the story of who truly sits at the top of the pile.
Whether you’re studying jockey race cards ahead of the weekend or considering where to place your next horse racing bets, knowing which horses are currently rated highest can help you separate the champions from the contenders.
Calandagan – 133
French raider Calandagan currently holds the honours as the highest-rated horse in Europe, with a rating of 133. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained gelding has been unstoppable in 2025, jumping to the top of the ratings after landing the prestigious Champion Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot.
That victory marked his third win in succession and his second straight at Ascot, following an impressive success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July. Calandagan’s blend of stamina and turn of foot has made him Europe’s benchmark performer.
Daryz – 131
The highest-rated three-year-old in Europe, Daryz is another flagbearer for Graffard’s powerful stable in France. Also owned by The Aga Khan Studs, the colt made a bright start to his campaign with polished wins at Longchamp and Saint-Cloud before a brief dip in form — finishing last in the Juddmonte International at York and narrowly denied in the Prix du Prince d’Orange.
However, Daryz bounced back spectacularly in October, landing the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe by a head from Minnie Hawk in a thrilling finish. That victory confirmed him as the standout of his generation.
Ombudsman – 130
Rated 130, Ombudsman has been a model of consistency at the top level. Representing Godolphin, the five-year-old returned from a long layoff to finish second on reappearance before claiming a hard-fought victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He went on to finish runner-up to Delacroix in the Eclipse Stakes, then turned the tables in the Juddmonte International. A gallant second to Calandagan in the Champion Stakes rounded off a stellar campaign that showcased his resilience and class.
Delacroix – 129
Ombudsman’s great rival, Delacroix, completes the list with a rating of 129. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the son of Dubawi was the 2/1 favourite for the Derby, but disappointed when finishing ninth of 18. However, he bounced back in style, producing a powerful late surge to win the Eclipse Stakes.
Although beaten in the Juddmonte International, he quickly reasserted his ability by taking the Irish Champion Stakes. His run in the Champion Stakes at Ascot saw him held by the top-rated Calandagan, but Delacroix remains one of Europe’s elite middle-distance performers.
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From Calandagan’s imperious dominance to Daryz’s Arc heroics, 2025 has been a showcase of world-class equine talent across Europe. With France and Ireland leading the way in the ratings, and major international targets still to come, Flat racing fans have every reason to be excited for what lies ahead.
