The World Series Racing Championship was set up in 1999 to link some of the world's most prestigious horse races and create a world championship for thoroughbred racing.

After each race, points are awarded to the top six finishers. The horse with the highest total after the final race is crowned the Thoroughbred Champion of the World.

So far, the series, which runs from March to December, has been dominated by Godolphin, with Daylami winning the inaugural championship, which consisted of nine races.

Godolphin were successful again in 2000 when Fantastic Light won a 10-race championship.

The colt defended his title last year in a series extended to 12 races.

In 2002, two more events were added: the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong and the Singapore Airlines International Cup, meaning the championship was contested in 11 countries over four continents.

But Godolphin again triumphed, this time with their four-year-colt Grandera.

2002 World Series races

Leg one: Godolphin second string wins

Leg two: Eishin Preston tames Hong Kong

Leg three: Glorious Grandera

Leg four: Golan in emotional Ascot win

Leg five: Beat Hollow thrills in Million

Leg six: Marienbard clinches German double

Leg seven: Grandera wins thriller

Leg eight: Ballingarry gives O'Brien a boost

Leg nine: Marienbard clinches Arc

Leg 10: Home favourite claims Cox glory

Leg 11: Volponi grabs Classic win

Leg 12: Irish cheered by Turf win

Leg 13: Japan Cup

Leg 14: Precision spoils Grandera's party

Final 2002 World Series standings

Grandera 32 points

Marienbard 24 points

High Chaparral 16

Sarafan 15

Eishin Preston 14
Paolini 14

Golan 13

World Series jockeys' standings

Frankie Dettori 72 points

Michael Kinane 46

Jerry Bailey 30

Kieren Fallon 16

Jose Santos 16

Andreas Suborics 16