TWO ADDITIONAL GROUP 1 RACES FORM CENTREPIECE OF PATTERN UPGRADES FOR FILLIES

19 Jan 2004 Pre-2014 Releases

Two additional Group 1 races will take place in Britain in 2004 as part of the European programme of enhanced Pattern races for three-year-old and upward fillies and mares.

The Falmouth Stakes and the Sun Chariot Stakes, at Newmarket in July and October respectively, have been upgraded from Group 2 to Group 1. Both races are run over a mile for three-year-old and upward fillies and mares.

The quality of Britain’s Flat racing has been recognised with the approval by the European Pattern Committee of eighteen race upgrades for 2004. Nine of these upgrades are part of a programme to enhance the opportunities for three-year-old and upward fillies and mares, with the remaining nine in other areas of the Pattern. In addition, the European Pattern Committee has approved the creation of a new Group 2 race at Royal Ascot, over a mile for four-year-old and upward fillies and mares.

The aim of the upgrades, which are part of a Europe-wide programme, is to encourage high-class fillies to stay in training at the end of their three-year-old careers rather than being retired for breeding purposes or exported to race in the United States.

BHB Racing Director Ruth Quinn said: “The aim of encouraging fillies to extend their racing careers in Britain is a particularly worthy one. I am delighted that two additional Group 1 races will take place in Britain this year, increasing the total to thirty-one and reflecting the continued progress of British Racing.”

A full list of the upgrades is attached.

2nd May 2004 Dahlia Newmarket 4yo+ f & m 9 furlongs upgraded to Group 3

12th May 2004 Middleton York 4yo+ f & m 10 furlongs upgraded to Group 3

4th June 2004 Princess Elizabeth Epsom 3yo+ f & m 8½ furlongs upgraded to Group 3

16th June 2004 Name to be confirmed Royal Ascot 4yo+ f & m 8 furlongs new Group 2 race

3rd July 2004 Lancashire Oaks Haydock Park 3yo+ f & m 12 furlongs upgraded to Group 2

6th July 2004 Falmouth Newmarket 3yo+ f & m 8 furlongs upgraded to Group 1

30th July 2004 Oak Tree Goodwood 3yo+ f & m 7 furlongs upgraded to Group 3

31st July 2004 Lily Langtree Goodwood 3yo+ f & m 14 furlongs upgraded to Group 3
(Formerly Gladness Stakes)

8th September 2004 Park Hill Doncaster 3yo+ f & m 14½ furlongs upgraded to Group 2

2nd October 2004 Sun Chariot Newmarket 3yo+ f & m 8 furlongs upgraded to Group 1

Notes

1. Dates of races in 2004 are subject to change.