Ten of the best: who are the top rated Flat horses in Ireland in 2026?

Ireland is home to some of Europe’s highest rated Flat horses, most of whom will be competing in some of the top races at the major festivals throughout the season.

Many of Ireland’s best can be found at Ballydoyle, the home of master trainer Aidan O’Brien, and they are well worth looking out for across the campaign.

1. Jan Brueghel (Official rating: 125)

The first of many Aidan O’Brien-trained runners on this list, Jan Brueghel was a very smart three-year-old two years ago and he managed to win the St Leger at Doncaster. He got the better of Calandagan in the Coronation Cup at Epsom at four and should be up to winning more Grade 1s at 1m4f or further.

2. Minnie Hauk (Official rating: 123)

Right at the top of the tree as a three-year-old last term, she managed to win three consecutive Group 1s. The first of which was the Oaks and she followed up in the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks. She was second in the Arc and is one to look forward to.

3. Al Riffa (Official rating: 120)

The globe-trotting Al Riffa is adaptable with regards to trip and is competitive over anything from 1m2f-1m6f. There are many races around the world in which he could line up in throughout the year and he won the Irish St. Leger last season.

4. Lambourn (Official rating 119)

Lambourn’s form tailed off a little towards the end of the season last year but he produced an excellent display to win the Derby by just shy of four lengths. The son of Australia went on to follow up in the Irish equivalent and if returning to his best in 2026, he can win plenty of good prizes.

5. Puerto Rico (Official rating: 119)

This horse snuck under the radar a bit as a two-year-old and he took his form to the next level once connections stepped him up to 7f. The son of Wootton Bassett bolted up in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and the Criterium International. Look out for him in the French Guineas and potentially the French Derby if all goes well.

6. Gstaad (Official rating: 119)

Aidan O’Brien’s Gstaad ran well in the all top two-year-old races last term and was a runaway winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was no match for Bow Echo in the Guineas but should improve for the run and is capable of making his presence felt in lots of three-year-old Group 1s.

7. Scandinavia (Official rating: 117)

This horse is tailor-made for the Ascot Gold Cup and he developed into a very smart stayer last term. He managed to beat the older horses in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup, before winning the St Leger, and there should be more to come from him at four.

8. The Lion In Winter (Official rating: 117)

Expectations were high for The Lion In Winter last season, but he didn’t quite reach the levels that connections thought he would. He did come close to winning a Group 1 at Longchamp in September and after making a winning return at Leopardstown last month, progress as a four-year-old wouldn’t be a surprise.

9. Illinois (Official rating: 116)

Illinois runs his race more often than not, but can struggle to get his head in front. He’ll be an each-way player in the staying races throughout the season.

10. Hawk Mountain (Official rating: 116)

Group 1 winner Hawk Mountain looks like a serious candidate for the Derby at this stage, although he’s not short on pace either. He won the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster in the autumn and is definitely one to follow.