YORK Racecourse's Juddmonte International has retained its place as Britain's best horse race.

The showpiece of the Knavesmire track's four day Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival held the global top spot 12 months ago in rankings put together by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

The newly named Longines World Rankings placed the Group 1 contest third this year, behind the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, held at Longchamp in Paris, and the Breeders' Cup Classic but it was only narrowly adrift of its two celebrated rivals.

The rankings place York's jewel in the crown above the Epsom Derby, which was ranked in joint-37th spot, or any of the Group 1 contests at Royal Ascot and its premier place at racing's top table has delighted track chiefs.

The mile and a quarter contest, first staged in 1972 when Brigadier Gerard suffered a shock defeat, was won last August by Arabian Queen. The Silvestre De Sousa-ridden mare was a shock 50-1 success after inflicting the first defeat on Derby hero Golden Horn.

Ratings for the first four finishers, which are allocated by the International Panel of Thoroughbred Handicappers, are considered over a three-season period to work out the overall places.

They panel concluded that the victories of Arabian Queen, Australia in 2014 and Declaration of War 12 months previously had combined to provide the strongest race in Britain.

The Juddmonte International, which has retained its Juddmonte Farms sponsor since 1989, was last year worth £850,000 and was York's richest ever contest.

Lord Grimthorpe, York Racecourse chairman and also racing manager for Juddmonte Farms, said: “York is particularly grateful to Prince Khalid (Abdullah) whose long-term support of the race has seen wins for both Twice Over and Frankel in recent years. I am delighted that the ratings have again confirmed the global stature of this great race.”

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course, said: "This is a fantastic endorsement of the quality of racing at York.

For the Juddmonte International, our flagship race, to be officially ranked number one in Britain and indeed third in the world is a tremendous tribute to everyone associated with York Racecourse and Juddmonte Farms.

"We remain hugely grateful and appreciative of the support we receive from so many individuals and organisations in helping stage top quality racing at York.

"Having featured so strongly in these rankings is a huge accolade for York, Yorkshire and British racing and we are determined to keep building on this award and to keep delivering fantastic racing action, facilities and experience at York into the future."