NEW LOOK GLOBAL SPRINT CHALLENGE

The internationally acclaimed Global Sprint Challenge (GSC) has been enhanced for 2011 with the addition of Singapore’s premier turf sprint, the KrisFlyer International Sprint.

The introduction of the 1200-metre Group 1 event, to be held at Kranji Racecourse on 22 May, takes to nine the number of races forming the $US10.8 million series.

The GSC also boasts a further enhancement in 2011 with all races carrying Group 1 status following the substitution of one of two races held in Japan.

September's Group 2 Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Hanshin Racecourse has been replaced by the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) on 27 March.

The Takamatsunomiya Kinen is held annually at Japan’s Chukyo Racecourse, but with the track under renovation in 2011, the sprint will be held next year at Hanshin.

The announcements were made today following a meeting of member bodies ahead of the final leg of the 2010 series in Hong Kong on Sunday.

First conducted in 2005, the GSC is the world’s richest sprint race series taking in races across Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and now Singapore.

GSC Chairman, Leigh Jordon, said, “The Global Sprint Challenge is continuing to grow in stature and it is with pleasure that we announce an expansion of the series to nine races in 2011.

“The KrisFlyer International Sprint has proven itself world class during a truncated history with winners from France, Australia and Hong Kong including Global Sprint Challenge stalwarts Takeover Target and Sacred Kingdom.

“The switch of races in Japan achieves the members’ desire for uniform Group 1 races whilst providing a better flow of races throughout the calendar year with the Takamatsunomiya Kinen an attractive target in March.

“These changes further enhance the Global Sprint Challenge which has made the world a smaller place for the connections of our very best sprinters, providing them with unique experiences and the opportunity to test their horses on the world stage.

“We are excited about the future of the Global Sprint Challenge and believe the 2011 series will only serve to promote the brand with nine super sprints across five countries.”

The 2011 GSC will once again carry a lucrative bonus for any horse that can excel across multiple jurisdictions.

Any horse that can win three races in three different countries outside their own racing jurisdiction will collect a $US1 million to be split 75% to the owners and 25% to the trainer.

The 2011 GSC commences with the first of two Australian legs, the Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m), at Flemington Racecourse on 19 February.

It then moves to Japan and Singapore respectively for the two new legs, before converging on the United Kingdom for a trio of straight track races.

First is the King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on 14 June, then comes the Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at the same venue four days later, en route to the Darley July Cup (1200m) at Newmarket Racecourse on 9 July.

The GSC returns to Japan on 2 October for the coveted Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama Racecourse, before making its second stop at Australia’s Flemington Racecourse for the running of the Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) on 5 November.

The series will again reach its culmination in Hong Kong on 11 December for the running of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin Racecourse.

Friday 10th December, 2010