It was Xaar's stablemate Peintre Celebre who was receiving most of the acclaim yesterday, after earning the mantle of world champion racehorse of 1997.
The French superstar and winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe tops the most comprehensive International Classifications ever with a rating of 137, the joint second highest since their introduction.
He heads a list, which for the first time includes horses from Australia, Hong Kong and South Africa as well as Europe, the United States and Japan.
Peintre Celebre is rated the equal of Generous, nominated European champion of 1991 as a result of his victories in the Derby, Irish Derby and King George.
Of recent Arc winners only Dancing Brave, who achieved 141 in 1986, has been rated superior and among earlier winners only Alleged in 1978 might be considered his equal.
Peintre Celebre remains in training this year alongside Xaar at the stable of Andre Fabre, who for the second year running has more horses in the classifications than anyone else.
Pilsudski's trainer Michael Stoute is dominant in the rankings for older horses with Japan Cup hero Pilsudski (134) narrowly edging out his stablemate Singspiel (132) for top honours.
Pilsudski, who also won the Eclipse as well as the Champion Stakes in Ireland and England, achieved a unique record by running to a rating of 124 or over on seven of his eight starts last year.
He has shown 8lb improvement from four to five years, and 40lb since he was three.
Singspiel's campaign included three Group One successes and his victory in the Dubai World Cup ranked him second only to America's Gentlemen on dirt.
Cheveley Park winner Embassy became trainer David Loder's second champion two-year-old filly on 118.
Compton Place, Elnadim and Royal Applause share the sprinting honours on 121 at the end of a disappointing year for speed horses.
Breeders' Cup winner Spinning World took the mile championship with 126.
Australia's Melbourne Cup winner Might And Power finished leading stayer on 124.
Surprisingly, despite being defeated on both clashes with Celeric, Classic Cliche (121) is rated 2lb ahead of the Ascot Gold Cup winner to head the staying rankings in Europe.
