NEWMARKET’S BAHRAIN TROPHY UPGRADED TO GROUP 3 STATUS

21 Jan 2009 Pre-2014 Releases

Newmarket’s Bahrain Trophy has been upgraded from Listed to Group 3 Status following the European Pattern Committee’s annual meeting in Copenhagen on Thursday 15th January.

British Racing is represented by Director of Racing Ruth Quinn at the European Pattern Committee and this successful upgrade was the only one applied for in 2009.

The race, for three-year-olds only run over 1m 5f at Newmarket’s July Festival, provides a mid-season opportunity for horses preparing for Group 1 targets later in the year, such as the St Leger or the Arc. It will be run on Thursday 9th July 2009.

Over the past three years the race rating – the average end of season rating for the first four home – has averaged 108.25, well above the 105 required for Group 3 Status.

British Horseracing Authority Director of Racing Ruth Quinn said: “There are few staying events for three-year-olds in the Pattern but this is a strong race and a welcome addition. The battle between Donegal and Gravitation last year was memorable, and obviously we saw a great winner in Youmzain in 2006. It will fit well in the overall calendar as a Group 3 race, will complement the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and will obviously provide an added highlight to the very successful July meeting.”

Michael Prosser, Newmarket’s Director of Racing said: “What really boosted the Bahrain Trophy was the decision to reduce the race distance to one mile and five furlongs from its previous distance of one mile and approximately seven furlongs. The quality and number of runners in the race have risen as a direct result of this move and recent winners include Youmzain and Tranquil Tiger.”

21st January 2009

Notes for Editors:
1. The race used to be run as the July Trophy until 2006 when the distance was changed from 1m6f 175 yards to 1m5f.
2. Previous winners:
2008 Donegal 2007 Tranquil Tiger
2006 Youmzain 2005 Mr Vegas
2004 Anousa 2003 Gold Medallist
2002 Spanish John 2001 Arrive
2000 Cephalonia 1999 Moon Dragon
1998 Kahtan 1997 Three Cheers
1996 Persian Punch 1995 Grey Shot
1994 Red Route 1993 Spring To Action

For more information on the July Festival go to www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk