The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is delighted to announce a number of significant upgrades to British Jump Pattern and Listed races for the 2013/14 season.

Applications for upgrade were considered in detail by the BHA Jump Racing Committee at its meeting on 3rd July, and support was provided for a number of races.

Ruth Quinn, Director of Racing at the BHA, said:

“The quality within the Jump Pattern remains very high and the success of the races at the top end of the Jumping scale is evident. The Jump Racing Committee recently considered a number of applications for upgrade and we’re really pleased to be able to support four races being promoted to Grade 1. This enhancement will provide further recognition of the quality of races on offer at the season’s flagship events at Cheltenham and Aintree, as well as providing a further boost to the final day of the Jump season at Sandown Park.

“Nine other races were identified as being worthy of promotion to either Grade 3 or as new Listed races, which include first black-type Jumping races for both Musselburgh and Carlisle.”

The eight races to receive an upgrade in their status are:

In addition, the following races have been granted Listed status:

Simon Claisse, Jockey Club Racecourses’ Regional Head of Racing for the South West and Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham, said:

“After three very successful years since the race was introduced in 2011, the Jewson Novices’ Chase, registered as the Golden Miller, continues to attract the best novices over two and a half miles. We are delighted this contest, won in 2012 by Sir Des Champs, has been upgraded to Grade 1 status reflecting the depth of strength in the race. The Festival will now include a total of 13 Grade 1 races and to have a further three Class 1 races added to our programme, with two upgraded to Listed and an additional Listed Mares’ Bumper, underlines our continuing drive to attract the best horses in each category across our season.”

Andrew Tulloch, Jockey Club Racecourses’ North West Regional Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Aintree, said:

“This re-emphasises The Jockey Club’s continued commitment to enhancing quality at the Grand National Festival in April, and in particular we’re delighted to stage two further Grade 1s over the three-days of the meeting. We’re also very pleased the Betfred Becher Chase has achieved Grade 3 status and we have boosted the prize fund significantly for the race from this year to £150,000. We look forward to that enhanced Becher Chase Day with its two races over the Grand National fences in December.”

Barney Clifford, Regional Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Kempton Park, said:

“Kempton Park are delighted that the William Hill Conditions Hurdle has been upgraded to Listed status in recognition of the quality runners it has attracted in recent years such as Katchit, Australia Day, Brampour and Get Me Out Of Here.”