Deep Impact, last year's Triple Crown winner in Japan, became the first Japanese horse to be ranked No. 1 in the world by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Japan Racing Association said Thursday.

Deep Impact appeared atop the list of the IFHA's 50 world leading horses, which was compiled on the basis of the results of major races around the world held between Jan. 1 and July 10 this year, in a tie with Irish horse Hurricane Run and German-bred Shirocco.