Jumps racing pattern race upgrades

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davidjohnson

At the Start
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http://www.britishhorseracing.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/British-Horseracing-Authority-Announces-Upgrades-to-Jump-Pattern-Races-for-2013-14-3fe.aspx

No surprise that the Jewson is among 4 races to be upgraded to Grade 1 status, but the Celebration Chase? Not sure that is warranted given the field it attracts is often the also rans from the Champion Chase.

Additionally, surely this can only have a negative effect on the 2m Grade 1 at Punchestown that is usually held the same week.

Given how we have Anglo-Irish Classifications, shouldn't more be done to ensure that the programme complements each other rather than competes with it.

Interesting to note that 13 races are being upgraded but no news of anything yet that has been downgraded.
 
Upgrading the Celebration Chase is an anomaly with or without the Punchestown race.

That said I don't necessarily agree with the point re joint planning. The 2 authorities are distinct entities each looking to promote their own races (and therein probably lies the answer re the Celebration Chase). The pattern shouldn't be "joined up" on the basis of single upgrades - if there is to be joining up then it should be across the board.
 
Bar the Bull said:
Here are some races they should downgrade:

4yo juvenile hurdle at Cheptow
Challow
Victor Chandler Chase (back to handicap)
Scilly Isles Novice Chase
Click to expand...

Agree on the first three (the Challow until it produces a Neptune or AB winner) but not the Scilly Isles. The last three winners have been a lot better than all the previous victors since Best Mate won it.
 
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