York welcomes Champions League spot for flagship race

10:01am Friday 4th July 2008

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RACING’S equivalent of the Champions League has been given the thumbs-up by York Racecourse chief executive William Derby.

The Knavesmire boss revealed he was “hugely excited” after plans to launch the Sovereign Series – a £10 million initiative to highlight ten of the country’s leading Group 1 races – was unveiled by Racing UK and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

From 2010, starting with the Stan James 2,000 Guineas and culminating with the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket, the series will be a points-based system with points awarded to the first three runners.

Deep into the “league”, which has a £2 million prize for the overall winner, will come York’s Juddmonte International, which is held in August, and Derby reckons there is the potential for Knavesmire’s flagship race to play a huge part in deciding the overall shape of the competition.

“We are very excited about this,” he said. “It’s a great concept which will really focus on the best of British racing. We are delighted to be involved and included in it with our flagship race.

“Last year, the Juddmonte International was the second highest rated race in Britain – just a whisker behind the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“It is an absolutely world class race and we are delighted this series will focus on the best of British racing – providing a narrative throughout the season.”

The new series has already been backed by owners, trainers and jockeys and racing’s chiefs hope that in five years it will have become established as a major sports competition on the British Calendar, rivalling Wimbledon and The Open Championship.

Derby added: “This competition will come to Knavesmire at a stage when the race will really be hotting up. The leading contenders in the middle-distance category will be involved. This year, the Juddmonte International looks like a stunning race at the moment. They won’t all come here, but we have had indications that the leading protagonists will.”

Simon Bazalgette, executive chairman of Racing UK, said: “Horseracing is one of Britain’s great sports, but is faced with increasing competition from other sports and leisure activities, so racing needs to evolve and appeal to a wider audience. We believe the Sovereign Series will capture the imagination of a new generation of sports fans who have never before been interested in racing.

“By linking Britain’s best Flat races into a season-long competition, and transforming the viewer experience both on and off the course, the Sovereign Series will strengthen consumer interest in the sport and create a new proposition for broadcasters and sponsors.”