ERA releases changes to stakes calendar

The Emirates Racing Authority has announced a number of changes to the

Pattern calendar with seven races upgraded in group status and three others

becoming listed.

The Al Quoz Sprint is one of nine races within the Dubai International Racing

Carnival program held at Meydan Racecourse to be upgraded and one of four to

Group 2 level alongside the Al Rashidiya and the two races for fillies and

mares, the Cape Verdi and the Balanchine.

The UAE Oaks and DRC Gold Cup have risen to Group 3 level, while the Meydan

Classic, Firebreak S. and Nad Al Sheba Trophy will be run at listed level for

the first time.

The Al Quoz Sprint was moved to the Dubai World Cup program for the first

time in 2010 but with the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1), also on the card going

approximately six furlongs, the Dubai Racing Club decided to amend the distance

of the Al Quoz Sprint to approximately five furlongs.

The Abu Dhabi Championship, a turf race run over about 1 3/8 miles at Abu

Dhabi Equestrian Club, has risen from listed to Group 3 status.

"The quality of horses racing in the UAE, both locally-based and

international, has substantially grown over the years and we are pleased the

racing fixtures now reflect that caliber of competition," ERA Board member Mr

Malih Lahej Al Basti said. "The Carnival races continue to grow in strength and

this has been mirrored at other racecourses and it is pleasing to see the

elevation of the Abu Dhabi Championship at Abu Dhabi."

"The Al Quoz Sprint's rise to Group 2 is pleasing as are the promotions of a

number of our other races, adding further merit to the quality of horses coming

to Dubai in the early part of the year," Dubai Racing Club Chief Executive

Officer Frank Gabriel Jr. said.

Promoted Races in the UAE:

Date		Race Name		Distance/Surface		Promoted to:
1/20		Cape Verdi		1 furlongs/Turf		Group 2
1/27		Al Rashidiya		9 furlongs/Turf		Group 2
2/10		Firebreak Stakes		8 furlongs/AW		Listed
2/17		Nad Al Sheba Trophy		14 furlongs/Turf		Listed
2/18		Balanchine		9 furlongs/Turf		Group 2
2/24		UAE Oaks		9 1/2 furlongs/AW		Group 3
2/24		Meydan Classic		8 furlongs/Turf		Listed
3/10		DRC Gold Cup		16 furlongs/Turf		Group 3
3/26		Al Quoz Sprint		5 furlongs/Turf		Group 2
3/20		Abu Dhabi Championship		11 furlongs/Turf		Group 3