Wednesday 21st January 2009
Boost for Bahrain Trophy
Newmarket's Bahrain Trophy has been upgraded from Listed to Group Three status following the European Pattern Committee's annual meeting in Copenhagen
British Racing is represented by BHA 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.
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."
