The Irish black-type program will see a number of enhancements this year. In a move to further improve the country's fillies and mares program, the Ridgewood Pearl S. will be upgraded to Group 2 status. Additionally, Cork Racecourse will host a new 12-furlong listed race for fillies and mares in early April, while Naas will have a similar event in mid-October.
The Curragh S. for 2-year-olds in late August will carry Group 3 status for the first time.
“[Horse Racing Ireland] is delighted to have secured European agreement for all our proposed Irish upgrades in 2015,” said HRI's Director of Racing Jason Morris. “The promotion of the Ridgewood Pearl S. to Group 2 status and the creation of two new fillies listed races over 12 furlongs will provide further encouragement to owners and trainers to put high-quality mares in training in Ireland and to carry on racing them here beyond their 3-year-old careers.”
“The promotion of the Curragh S. to Group 3 status, along with the previously announced upgrades to three older horse sprints from Group 3 to Group 2 and the creation of the Lacken S. [Group 3 for 3-year-olds] at Naas in early June reinforces HRI's commitment to improve the Irish sprinting program, which will also see additional maiden race opportunities for both 2- and 3-year-olds over the shorter distances in 2015,” Morris added.
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