Pattern-race boost for HRI

Horse Racing Ireland have strengthened their Flat pattern-race programme by promoting four races from Listed to Group Three status.

The four races are the Park Express (Curragh, March 26), Swordlestown Stud Sprint (Naas, June 5), Denny Cordell Lavarack (Gowran Park, August 16) and the Leopardstown Kilternan (September 9).

HRI director of racing Jason Morris said: “HRI is delighted that the continuing strength of the Irish Flat horse population and the high quality of our black-type programme has allowed us to increase the number of pattern races from 38 in 2002 to the record new level of 52 this year.

“Irish race ratings remain very strong and none of our Group races were liable for downgrading.”