Harbinger’s record-breaking win in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes has earned him one of the highest ratings in recent years when the 2010 World Thoroughbred Rankings were released on Tuesday.

Harbinger (Dansili) rated 135 which was just shy of the mark given to Sea The Stars (136) in 2009.  Dancing Brave (141) holds the record since the international rankings began in 1977.

Harbinger was undefeated in four runs last year.  His epic 11 length victory in the King George followed wins in the G3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury, G3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester and G2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute and owners Highclere Thoroughbreds were all set to head towards the Arc de Triomphe when the colt broke down in August.  He is about to begin serving his first book of mares at Shadai Stallion Station.

Blame (Arch) was next best in the rankings on 129.  His win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic inflicted a first-ever defeat on wonder mare Zenyatta.  

Zenyatta (Street Cry) and French queen Goldikova (Anabaa) were given 125 ratings alongside Australian champion So You Think (High Chaparral).