News

The Pattern: Now & in the Future

13/03/2014

The Pattern system is one of the most important pieces of racing’s architecture.  Group and Listed races are the sport’s premium level of competition, and black type thereby gained is the foremost influence in both the breeding barn and the sales ring. 

The Pattern system is an international framework, but is its use consistent throughout the world?

International Federation Vice Chairman, Brian Kavanagh, and a panel drawn from around the globe will address this and other key issues:

• Is there such a thing as a “pyramid system” in black type
• What is the relevance of prizemoney as a benchmark
• How ratings are decided on and how they are used
• Striking the right balance between domestic race planning and the regional / international pattern
• The role of each of the players: IRPAC, SITA, Regional Committees
• Establishing “ground rules” for upgrades and demotions of Group and Listed races
• Ranking the top 50 races in the world
• Has the time come for Super Group 1 races
• What is the path for promotion for Part III countries