Golden Fleece

The European Pattern Committee (EPC) has approved the upgrade of two Group 3 races to Group 2 status for 2026, including the Prix Paul de Moussac at ParisLongchamp (1400m, 3yo, early-June). Won last year by the subsequent Group 1 winner Maranoa Charlie, the race is intended to act as the main stepping stone to the G1 Prix Jean Prat over the same distance approximately one month later. Meanwhile, Germany successfully applied to upgrade the Bavarian Classic at Munich (2000m, 3yo, early-May) to Group 2 status. The Bavarian Classic has a...

The European Pattern Committee (EPC) announced on Tuesday that it has approved the upgrade of four Group 2 races to Group 1 status, including the City Of York Stakes. Traditionally run at York's Ebor Festival in August, it will become the second all-aged seven-furlong Group 1 race in Europe, alongside the Prix de la Forèt at ParisLongchamp in October. The remaining Group 1 upgrades were all related to the EPC's continued pan-European focus on the middle-distance and staying horse. In Britain, the British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot was...