News

Friday, April 01, 2016Contact: Andrew Chesser
+1-859-224-2741
Hong Kong Promoted to Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards Book; Korea Promoted to Part II

The International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) approved the promotion of Hong Kong to Part I of The International Cataloguing Standards (ICS) Book effective September 1, 2016, which will be the beginning of their 2016/2017 racing season. This promotion was ratified by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA). Seventeen Group races will be opened to international competition and included in Part I of the ICS book as International Group races. Three additional races included in Part I will still be restricted and considered Listed Restricted races internationally.

HONG KONG
The following are the seventeen races promoted to International Group status:
    • Centenary Sprint Cup G2
    • Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy G2 • Premier Bowl G2
    • Chairman’s Trophy G2
    • Sprint Cup G2
    • National Day Cup G3
    • Celebration Cup G3
    • Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse G3
    • Bauhinia Sprint Trophy G3
    • Chinese Club Challenge Cup G3
    • January Cup G3
    • Centenary Vase G3
    • Queen Mother Memorial Cup G3
    • Sha Tin Vase G3
    • Lion Rock Trophy G3
    • Premier Cup G3
    • Premier Plate G3
 
The following races will be Listed Restricted races:
    • The Hong Kong Classic Mile
    • The Hong Kong Classic Cup
    • The BMW Hong Kong Derby
 
IRPAC also approved the promotion of Korea to Part II of the ICS book effective July 1, 2016 with ratification by SITA. Six races were approved for Part II. Only five of the races are scheduled to run after July 1, 2016, therefore the 2016 ICS publication will only include five of the six races.

 
KOREA
The following are the six races that will be included for Korea in Part II:
    • The 34th Grand Prix
    • The 12th President’s Cup
    • The 11th Busan Mayor’s Cup
    • The 9th Owners’ Cup
    • The 2nd Asia Challenge Cup (SBS Sports) – renamed the Korean Sprint for 2016
    • The 27th Ttukseom Cup – will be Part II in 2017 ICS book
 
 
About International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC)
In March 2002, the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) established the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC. In June 2007, the International Cataloguing Standards Committee transferred responsibilities of making recommendations for the Group or Graded status of races to IRPAC. The IRPAC recommendations are ratified by SITA.
 
About Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA)
SITA, the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers, is an association of the world’s leading Bloodstock Auction houses.
It was founded in 1983 to create a forum for the discussion of subjects of mutual interest to International Thoroughbred Auctioneers.
SITA also ratifies any decisions made by IRPAC who compile the International Cataloguing Standards Booklet.
 
About International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is the world peak body for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing. Its members are the national racing authorities across the globe which stage Thoroughbred races.

Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:

• Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (the IABRW)
• Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
• International Race Planning and Grading (“black type”)
• World Rankings
• Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices
• Harmonization of Race Day Rules
• Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally


The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
 
For further details, please contact:
 
Andrew Chesser
Secretary General, International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
Telephone +1 859 224 2741
Email achesser@jockeyclub.com