The Australian Racing Board (ARB) today endorsed the Australian Pattern Committee’s (AusPC) recommendation for a rescheduling of the 2015 Sydney Autumn Carnival; more specifically, that the Carnival move one week earlier and the Golden Slipper be brought forward two weeks, resulting in the Golden Slipper being run on the 21^st of March and the Championships on the 4^th and 11^th of April.
 
The ARB understands the public commentary which has arisen as a consequence of these mooted changes and the effect on the Pattern. Both the ARB and AusPC believe that clashes between similar Group 1 races are to be avoided to the greatest possible extent to allow horses to compete in both if able. Such clashes have been virtually eliminated from the Australian Pattern over the years.
 
A clash of dates in 2015 following the above changes between the Randwick Guineas and Australian Guineas is unavoidable despite the concerted efforts of all involved. However, this apparent direct clash is only nominal in effect as the two races in question were to be run only one week apart had no date changes been approved, which most likely would have prevented horses from racing in both events.
 
As a result, the parties directly involved, the VRC, ATC, Racing NSW and Racing Victoria are committed to achieving an adequate separation between the two races in 2016. It goes without saying that it is in the interests of NSW and Victoria as well as the Pattern, that races be programmed to maximize participation.
 
The ARB took into account the following facts:
 

 
While in recent times, both races have operated independently of each other catering for different pools of horses, we believe that this less than optimal situation should change post 2015 when the drive is to separate the two Guineas to enable maximum participation in both races.
 
 
 
 
The ARB also accepted the AusPC’s recommendation of 14 upgrades as per below. Principal amongst them is the upgrading to Group 2 status of the Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies), the Run to the Rose, the Bobbie Lewis and the Golden Pendant.
 
The date changes to the Sydney Autumn Carnival will be referred to the Asian Pattern Committee for ratification.
 
 
End Media Release
 
For further information:
Kevin Dixon, Chairman, AusPC,
0419 706 354
 
 
The ARB has approved that the following races be upgraded to Group 2 level having met the criteria for inclusion in the Pattern.

 

 
The ARB has approved that the following races be upgraded to Group 3 level having met the criteria for inclusion in the Pattern.
 
 

 
The ARB has approved that the following races be upgraded to Listed level having met the criteria for inclusion in the Pattern.
 

 
 
All upgrades will take effect from January 1, 2015, except for the Blue Sapphire which will take effect immediately.