European Pattern Committee Announces Changes

[Wandering Eyes]

Officials from the European Pattern Committee (EPC) met at the offices of the British Horseracing Authority Jan. 24 and laid out its changes in the pattern via a release Wednesday.

Announcing that it was “pleased to support France’s request to provide an end-of-season opportunity at Group 1 level for fillies at longer distances,” the committee approved an upgrade to the top level for ParisLongchamp’s Prix de Royallieu (2800m), which takes place on Arc weekend Oct. 5. There was a single downgrade from Group 1 status, the Premio Lydia Tesio, leaving Italy with no races at the top level. The country has also been demoted to the status of associate member of the EPC, with the hope that it will become a full member in the near future.

The upgrading of the Royallieu is a continuation of commitment by the EPC to protect and enhance the programme for staying horses across Europe. This time last year, the EPC agreed to upgrade Glorious Goodwood’s Lillie Langtry S. to Group 2 status. Additionally, as part of the stayers’ project, the EPC has agreed to boost Newmarket’s Zetland S. to Group 3 level.

A trio of races received hikes to Group 2 status: the Balanchine S. (6f) at The Curragh in late June; the seven-furlong City of York S. in August; and the Premio Dormello at the San Siro in October. The G1 Prix Jean Prat will see its distance shaved from a mile to seven furlongs, with the objective of making the race a target in its own right for 3-year-olds and so it may be used as a steppingstone to races like the Maurice de Gheest and/or Jacques Le Marois.

There were no downgrades from Group 2, while the Zawawi Cup at Sweden’s Jagersro Racecourse was the lone demotion from Group 3. Some 24 races–14 at Pattern level and 10 Listed races–are at the risk of downgrade for 2020, including the Prix de Malleret, the Deutsches Derby, the Presidente Della Repubblica and the Topkapi Trophy.

“The Committee continues to observe the highest standards of quality control and has downgraded races where necessary and put racing authorities on notice of races at risk of downgrade in 2020,” EPC Chairman Brian Kavanagh said. “Regrettably, the downgrades included Italy’s final remaining Group 1 race, the Lydia Tesio.

The Committee welcomed the attendance of representatives of the Italian Ministry for Agriculture and their commitment to address the difficulties which had shrouded Italian horse racing and thoroughbred breeding in recent years. Pending completion of a series of reforms to address these difficulties, Italy will have the status of an associate member of the European Pattern. 2018 was an exciting year for Pattern racing throughout Europe and these changes will ensure that 2019 offers an improved programme.”

 

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