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The International Grading
and Race Planning Advisory Committee of the International Federation of
Horseracing Authorities has accorded the KrisFlyer International Sprint with
an international Group 1 status at a meeting in Paris on October 3.
The Singapore Turf Club in a statement today stated that the upgrading
recommendation will be forwarded to the Society of International
Thoroughbred Auctioneers for their endorsement at their next meeting in
December.
The 1200m race made a much-awaited comeback in 2008 after an interruption of
six years following the running of the first two editions as the Singapore
Airlines KrisFlyer Sprint in 2001 and 2002, which were won by IRON MASK of
France and NORTH BOY of Australia respectively.
Renamed the KrisFlyer International Sprint at its re-launch in 2008 as the
supporting act to the International Group 1 Singapore Airlines International
Cup, the race did not take long to become a glamour event of its own.
Big names came, saw and conquered. Australia reigned supreme again in 2008
when their sprint hero TAKEOVER TARGET narrowly defeated fellow Australian
MAGNUS.
Last year’s renewal saw another thrilling contest where Singapore’s own
ROCKET MAN and Hong Kong’s former World’s Turf Sprinter SACRED KINGDOM
fought out the last 300m, with the verdict going to the latter by a neck in
a new course record time.
“This is a significant milestone for Singapore racing,” said Mike Wanklin,
Vice President (Racing)/Head of Handicapping of the Singapore Turf Club.
“We could all see the world-class quality that had come through the running
of the last two editions. It’s an international recognition that is
well-deserved.”
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