race downgrade

Monmouth Park's Listed Mr. Prospector S., traditionally contested in late September, was downgraded to a non-Listed Black-Type after moving to May 29 for the 2021 season. The substantial change on the calendar prompted a review by the American Graded Stakes Committee. The Committee's policy states, should a graded or eligible race be altered materially in age, sex, eligibility, racetrack location, or purse, or is substantially changed on the calendar (30 or more days), a review may result in a change in grade. If it is regarded as a new race,...

In light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pattern programme and the campaigns of the best racehorses in 2020, the European Pattern Committee has determined that no pattern or listed races will be upgraded or downgraded in 2021. The 2020 race ratings, additionally, will not be used to compile the three-year average ratings for any pattern or listed races, meaning 2020 will be treated as a gap year in terms of assessing race performances. Races at risk of downgrade will receive a stay in 2021 and will...