The quality and strength of Britai?_x0019_s Flat racing has been recognised with the approval by the European Pattern Committee of 19 race upgrades for 2003.

This unprecedented number of promotions includes the change in the status of the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot from Group 2 to Group 1 following a recent succession of top-class renewals. The race will be open only to four-year-olds and upwards from this year.

BHB Chief Executive Greg Nichols said today: “These promotions recognise Britain’s pre-eminence in the increasingly strong European Pattern but we must continue to take every opportunity to consolidate this position. Raising Britain’s international competitiveness must be the aim of all in the industry.”

The full list of upgrades is below.

GROUP 2 TO GROUP 1
Queen Anne Group 2 to Group 1
17th June 2003 Ascot 4yo+ (from 3yo+) 1m

GROUP 3 TO GROUP 2
Duke of York Group 3 to Group 2
13th May 2003 York 3yo+ 6f

July Stakes Group 3 to Group 2
9th July 2003 Newmarket 2yoc&g 6f

Scottish Classic Group 3 to Group 2
14th July 2003 Ayr 3yo+ 1m 2f

Lennox Group 3 to Group 2
29th July 2003 Goodwood 3yo+ 7f

Vintage Group 3 to Group 2
30th July 2003 Goodwood 2yo 7f

May Hill Group 3 to Group 2
11th September 2003 Doncaster 2yo f 1m

Doncaster Cup Group 3 to Group 2
11th September 2003 Doncaster 3yo+ 2m

LISTED TO GROUP 3
Dee Listed to Group 3
8th May 2003 Chester 3yo c&g 1m 2f 175y

Superlative Listed to Group 3
10th July 2003 Newmarket 2yo 7f

Summer Listed to Group 3
11th July 2003 York 3yo+ f 6f

Silver Trophy Listed to Group 3
12th July 2003 Ascot 4yo+ (from 3yo+) 1m

Golden Daffodil Listed to Group 3
25th July 2003 Chepstow 3yo+f 1m 2f

Strensall Listed to Group 3
3rd September 2003 York 3yo+ 1m 1f

Sirenia Listed to Group 3
5th September 2003 Kempton Park 2yo 6f

Joel Listed to Group 3
2nd October 2003 Newmarket 3yo+ 1m

Autumn Listed to Group 3
11th October 2003 Ascot 2yo 1m

Bentinck Listed to Group 3
17th October 2003 Newmarket 3yo+ 6f

Darley Listed to Group 3
18th October 2003 Newmarket 3yo+ 1m 1f

Notes

1. Dates of races in 2003 are subject to change.

2. The Committee, which met in Stockholm on 9th January, also approved a reduction in the distance of the Park Stakes, run at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, from 1m to 7f.