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Message from the BHA :
European Pattern Committee announce major changes
to sprint programme from 201513/08/2014 @11:30:00
Issued on behalf of The European Pattern Committee
Upgrades across Britain, France, Germany and Ireland, including two new Group 1s
The European Pattern Committee (EPC) today announced details of a number of changes to the European sprint programme from 2015. The measures are designed to address the current lack of opportunities for high-class three-year-old sprinters and to improve the overall standard of Group sprint races in Europe.The changes include upgrades to races in Britain, France, Germany and Ireland, as well as the introduction of a new Group 1 three-year-old only sprint over six furlongs at Royal Ascot.
At the EPC’s meeting in January, the Committee had identified the sprint programme as an area of weakness within the European Pattern and agreed that it warranted addressing. The EPC had previously undertaken comparable steps in 2004 when strengthening the programme of races for older fillies and mares.
The proposals were developed in consultation with the Committee members and the revised programme was discussed at a specially convened meeting at the end of July, subsequently receiving the required unanimous approval of all member countries in order to implement the exceptional measures and upgrades.
Brian Kavanagh, Chairman of the EPC, said:
“The strategic objective in reviewing the sprint programme was to implement measures that will have a long-term, positive impact, delivering meaningful benefits both for European racing and for the European horse population.
“For horses performing at every distance other than sprinting, the European Pattern provides a three-year-old only programme until mid summer, when the Classic generation is considered ready to take on the older horses. The Committee believes it is no coincidence that when it comes to milers and middle distance horses, Europe can genuinely lay claim to having the best in the world, however, there is a definite lack of top class European three-year-old sprinters.
“The measures we are taking to address the situation are two-fold. Firstly, we have introduced a limited number of Pattern races restricted to three-year-olds in the first half of the European season, culminating in a new Group 1 race at Royal Ascot, and secondly, we have sought to deliver a more balanced overall sprint programme, providing better opportunities and greater incentives to run high class sprinters in Europe. This includes the upgrade of a number of races including the British Champions Sprint on QIPCO British Champions Day to Group 1, and the Flying Five on Irish Champions Weekend to Group 2.
“We acknowledge the steps we have taken are bold, some may consider them radical. However, the Committee believes they are warranted and that they will be of considerable benefit to European horseracing and breeding.”
Brian Kavanagh added: “As is the case for any race granted Group status or an upgrade in exceptional circumstances, the performance of the races in question will be reviewed by the EPC after three years.”
The new status of existing races, as well as the additional races approved by EPC, is as follows:
I don’t see why it’s a waste of time, I think it’s a good idea. At every other distance you have G1’s for three year olds only but not at sprint trips.
I don’t see why it’s a waste of time, I think it’s a good idea. At every other distance you have G1’s for three year olds only but not at sprint trips.
Will severeley affect the field sizes of the Jersey, Kings Stand and Diamond Jubilee. Needlessly,
Can not see that a Group 1 sprint for 3 year olds pitched in to Royal Ascot would attract any better quality animals than if it were situated in the currently devoid of class/pre Derby slot, last Saturday in May; attracting Guineas non-stayers. Winner going on to take on the older generation at Royal Ascot. Instead of taking horses like this year’s Kings Stand favourite Hot Streak away from current top class events. Hot Streak may well have started odds-on for a Group 1 3yo Royal Ascot Sprint. That’s without what it’ll do to the Jersey.
Value Is EverythingIt’s easy to forget all the speedy 2 year olds sold to race abroad rather than being kept in training here as 3 year olds.
The lack of incentive was/is a major factor, now there is one.
6 furlong and 7 furlong races are completely different, not many horses, especially 3 year olds have excelled at both distances.
‘Speedy 2-y-olds sold abroad’ – where do they go then, because there’s no program for 3-y-old sprinters in the US, or France, or Germany.
And surely taking them to Australia to compete with their home bred hordes of sprinters would be the equivalent of buying an English footballer to compete in German penalty shootouts.
I’m in the what a load of rubbish camp, partly because 3-y-olds that were good enough to be called Group 1 winners have coped perfectly well in the existing races against older horses, partly because there isn’t any obvious pent-up demand.
Currently the Haydock Sprint Cup and the Diadem have less than 20 3-y-olds entered and no prizes for guessing which stable provides the largest number of those.
‘Speedy 2-y-olds sold abroad’ – where do they go then, because there’s no program for 3-y-old sprinters in the US, or France, or Germany.
Hong Kong?
Mike
The idea of a 6f ‘Classic’ vaguely appeals but if to be held at Ascot then it would surely make sense to restrict the Kings Stand and Golden Jubilee to 4yo+, as is the case with the middle distance Group 1s before the first clash of the 3yo+ in the Eclipse
Additionally, I feel that Ascot is a little too late for such a sprint ‘classic’. Placing a 3yo restriction on and upgrading of the Palace House or Temple Stakes would perhaps be better
TRF: "We need more quality racing and better prizemoney"
EPC: "We’re introducing new pattern races and upgrading Group 3yo sprints"
TRF: "Boo, get off, rubbish..!"
Mike
it would surely make sense to restrict the Kings Stand and Golden Jubilee to 4yo+
That’s happening with the Golden (Diamond?) Jubilee from next year.
Mike
it would surely make sense to restrict the Kings Stand and Golden Jubilee to 4yo+
That’s happening with the Golden (Diamond?) Jubilee from next year.
Good move
Apolgies to HM, Diamond it is…no it’s not, it’s the Cork and Orrery
I think it’s a reasonable idea the milers etc don’t have to jump into racing their elders at that time of the year so don’t see any difference.
Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
these are the private purchases that came into HK for its 2013/14 season:
http://www.hkjc.com/english/racinginfo/ … rmance.asp
best known GB 2yo among them possibly the Weatherby Super Sprint winner Peniaphobia.
I’d love to see another G1 sprint at Royal Ascot. You know, a sprint with a diamond-studded line up of G1 winners including G2 winners who’re ready for the upgrade.
The King’s Stand has always felt like a G2 sprint to me. Maybe it’s something to do with not enough elite sprinters taking part and too many inferior sprinters (G3,Listed) to make up the numbers.
Seems a sensible move, apart from the horses sold abroad, even when a 3 year old has been successful having been forced to run against their elders in the top sprints like Dream Ahead & Oasis Dream, they have been retired at the end of their 3 year old career.
Could encourage horses like that to continue as 4 year olds having been aimed at the G1 3 yo race at Royal Ascot, that would be good for racing.
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