The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) Flat Pattern Committee has confirmed several additional changes to the 2023 Flat Pattern and Listed race programme, following ratification by the European Pattern Committee.
The following races have been repositioned or relocated within the existing programme to help achieve a better spread of Black Type opportunities in the relevant age and distance categories in 2023:
- The Listed Abingdon Stakes (10f, 3yo fillies, early June), previously run at Newbury, will now take place at Goodwood on Sunday 11 June and be run as the Listed Agnes Keyser Stakes (10f, 3yo fillies) with a prize fund of £70,000
- The Listed Tapster Stakes (1m 3f 218y, 4yo+) will also be run at Goodwood on Sunday 11 June, rather than in late May, and will also offer prizemoney of £70,000, to mirror that of the Agnes Keyser
- The Listed Cathedral Stakes (6f, 3yo+) at Salisbury will move to Saturday 27 May (previously mid-June)
- The Listed Stonehenge Stakes (8f, 2yo) at Salisbury will take place on Wednesday 16 August (a race which was otherwise due to be run in early September in 2023)
The adjustments to the Flat Pattern and Listed programme for 2023 follow the reduction in the number of Group 3 and Listed races in Britain, announced earlier this year.
The aim remains to try to boost field sizes and increase competitiveness in the short-term, while work continues to strengthen Britain’s race programme overall, using a variety of measures, for 2024 and beyond.
BHA Director of International Racing and Racing Development, Ruth Quinn, said:
“The tactical adjustments announced today will help see that races are spaced more appropriately – providing a more balanced spread and volume of opportunities for connections at optimal times in the calendar, and supporting the shorter-term objectives of enhancing the competitiveness of Pattern and Listed contests in 2023.
“On behalf of the FPC, I would like to thank Goodwood and Salisbury – and other racecourses with whom we work closely through these processes – for their support and cooperation with implementing these adjustments and with the industry’s ongoing efforts to refine and strengthen the British Pattern.”
Edward Arkell, Director of Racing at Goodwood, said:
“Goodwood is delighted to be hosting The Weatherbys Digital Solutions Agnes Keyser Stakes on the same card as the William Hill Tapster Stakes to provide a high class Sunday in June.
“We are grateful for Weatherbys sponsorship and the support of the Flat Pattern Committee in allocating us this race as part of Goodwood’s continued commitment to the top end of British racing.”
About the Flat Pattern Committee
The BHA’s Flat Pattern Committee advises and makes recommendations to the BHA Board on matters relating to improving the programme of Flat Pattern and Listed races.
Flat Pattern Committee members:
Lydia Hislop (C)
Emma Berry
Gina Bryce
Andy Clifton
Simon Crisford
William Haggas
Rishi Persad
Maddy Playle
Ruth Quinn
Julian Richmond-Watson
Nick Smith
Nicholas Wrigley
For more information, see the Committees page.
