Recent Darley recruits, New Approach and Raven's Pass were on Tuesday honoured by being named the top two three-year-olds in the world by international handicappers, when they released their world rankings for 2008. Also, New Approach was joint-top overall with American superstar Curlin on a rating of 130 with Raven's Pass a very close third on 129.
This marks a fitting end to a racing career for New Approach that saw him crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old after an unbeaten five-race streak including the G1 National Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes. As a three-year-old he won three of his six starts, the Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Champion Stakes at Newmarket (pictured).
In all, he retired to stud the winner of eight of his 11 races, five of which were at the top level, with earnings of nearly £2,000,000, a champion and a record-breaker. Only one horse can top his rating of 130 since 2003, fellow Darley stallion Manduro who was rated 131 in 2007.
Kildangan resident Raven's Pass retires on a rating of 129, making him the second best three-year-old in the world and the highest on an artificial surface. A record-breaking juvenile he propelled himself to world superstar status with thrilling victories in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic, his debut on a synthetic surface.
New Approach stands at Dalham Hall Stud for £30,000 and Raven's Pass at Kildangan Stud for €40,000: Oct 1st, Special live foal.
