A new Group One sprint for three-year-olds at Royal Ascot has been unveiled by the European Pattern Committee.
The six-furlong (1200m) race, which will be introduced from next season, is one of a number of changes to the European program which attempts to address the current lack of opportunities for high-class three-year-old sprinters.
Several races in Europe have also been upgraded, including Ascot’s British Champions Sprint, which will be a Group One from next season.
The Flying Five Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown has also been promoted to Group Two class.
“For horses performing at every distance other than sprinting, the European Pattern provides a three-year-old-only program until mid summer, when the Classic generation is considered ready to take on the older horses,” EPC chairman Brian Kavanagh said.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
