User:Ggbyron/International Horse Racing Classifications

International Horse Racing Classifications

Overview

Origins

The first International Classifications were published in December 1977. They ranked the best three years old and four years old and upwards in France, Great Britain and Ireland.

The Classifications aimed:


 * To stimulate interest in high-class racing, both nationally and internationally
 * To provide an accurate and impartial basis for assesment and valuation of horses
 * To give breeders more accurate criteria for selection than was available

In 1985, Germany and Italy joined the system, to be followed by North America (both Canada and the United States) and Japan in the mid 1990s.
 * To provide means of estimating improvement or deterioration of thoroughbred performance in the leading European countries

In 2003, responsibility for the Classifications was transferred from the European Pattern Committee to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).The World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings are now published twice a year followed by an official end-of-season assessment of the top Thoroughbred performers.

Originally the International Classifications were confined to horses rated 120 or more.Now it includes horses rated from 110 upwards.

When North America joined, the International Classifications resolved to treat the form of horses that race on Turf and Dirt independently, so horses were given either a Dirt Rating or a Turf Rating.

Champions since 1977

1977 - 1979

1980 - 1989

1990 - 1999

2000-2010

Horses rated 125 or higher

1977 - 1979

1980 - 1989

1990 - 1999

2000 - 2009