 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Ascot, Goodwood and York have launched an ambitious bonus scheme targeting overseas challengers for three of Britain's premier summer races, with potential rewards reaching US$1.27 million.
The initiative centres around the Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Gr.1 Sussex Stakes and the Gr.1 International Stakes, creating a compelling trilogy across Britain's most prestigious summer festivals.
Leading Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi, whose globetrotting star Bathrat Leon finished fourth behind the mighty Baaeed in the 2022 Sussex Stakes, has given the scheme a ringing endorsement.
"I am excited to hear the news about this original bonus scheme, which is very attractive for owners and trainers in Japan," said Yahagi. "Ascot, Goodwood, and York are adored by Japanese trainers, and this new scheme will certainly mean we consider the venture when we plan our international program. I hope I can become the first trainer (in the era of the bonus) to win the King George and Sussex Stakes in the same year."
The scheme offers US$1.27 million to any trainer or owner from outside Europe claiming both the King George and Sussex Stakes victories, with US$317,000 available for horses placed in both races. Additional bonuses of US$317,000 await King George or Sussex winners proceeding to York's International Stakes, while placed horses can earn US$190,000.
Nick Smith, Ascot's director of racing, explaining the timing, said: "We have been collectively considering how to maximise global attention on the midsummer period in Britain, when there are fewer major overseas events taking place than at other times of the year. The thinking behind the Midsummer Bonus is that the opening races are, effectively, the same week, and this presents an opportunity to promote the whole week and all its international options as one entity."
York's managing director William Derby added: "The prestige of this high-summer spell of racing, when Britain can shine with the spotlight on it, is widely acknowledged, and this promotion further demonstrates the commitment of all three courses to showcasing our racing on the global stage. York will be paying an additional US$63,000 in appearance fees for any horses traveling under this scheme should they go to the Juddmonte International, recognising of course that milers and mile-and-a-half horses can go the 10-furlong route. The US$63,000 goes up to US$190,000 should any horse be placed at Ascot or Goodwood and US$317,000 if they have won."