2000 Guineas, Livamol retain Group 1, Oaks in danger of downgrade
The Livamol Classic (2040m) and New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) have retained Group 1 status this season following a vote by the Asian Pattern Committee (APC).
Both races were subject to the vote after failing to meet the required international race rating standard in their last three editions, with the race rating based upon the first four placings.
The New Zealand Pattern Committee’s submission to the APC noted the NZ 2000 Guineas as a critically important race to not only New Zealand racing but also the wider industry as a potential stallion-making race, with an honour roll of some of New Zealand’s best thoroughbreds.
Dominant three-year-olds in 2023 (Crocetti) and 2024 (Savaglee) did not help the race rating in recent renewals, and surprisingly, the race also missed the required rating in 2022 even though Pier, Desert Lightning and Prowess, all top quality three-year-olds, filled the first three placings.
The Livamol Classic has attracted depth of quality, but the first four placegetters have not been optimal for the race rating, which APC representatives acknowledged.
“The APC vote was unanimous in the retention of the two races as Group Ones, which is pleasing, greatly appreciated and obviously important for New Zealand,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing senior handicapper and APC representative Bruce Sherwin said.
“New Zealand Group 1 races have been under significant pressure in recent years. The international race rating system is presenting a challenge for a small country like New Zealand.”
While the elite-level status of the Livamol Classic and New Zealand 2000 Guineas are assured this season, other New Zealand Group 1 races are in danger, with the New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Telegraph (1200m) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) sitting below the required international race rating and will be subject to an APC vote next month.
