Arena Racing Company (ARC) and 1/ST have announced a new partnership aimed at creating greater international racing opportunities across their events.
Under this agreement, winners of select races at Doncaster Racecourse's Betfred St Leger Festival will receive free entry to high-profile races in the United States.
Notably, the Group 2 Betfred May Hill Stakes victor will be invited to the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park, while the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes winner can compete in the $750,000 California Crown Eddie D. Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park.
The partnership also expands the All-Weather Championships, allowing horses with three runs on artificial surfaces in the USA to qualify for Finals Day at Newcastle Racecourse. Additionally, the Carousel Club Handicap winner at Gulfstream Park will receive free entry to the All-Weather Championships Mile Final, subject to additional qualifying runs.
To facilitate this international exchange, ARC and 1/ST will provide travel subsidies for qualifying horses.
This initiative builds upon a recent strategic alliance involving ARC, 1/ST, Tabcorp and Racecourse Media Group to distribute content across multiple international markets.
Commenting on the new deal, Director of Media and International at ARC, Brendan Parnell, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with 1/ST to offer the winners of two of the most high-profile races during the Betfred St Leger Festival the opportunity to take up some exciting opportunities in the USA.
“Likewise, in extending the qualification criteria for the All-Weather Championships, and the link with Gulfstream Park, we hope that we might look to add some further international interest in the £1m ($1.32m) Good Friday fixture, alongside the long-standing Irish and French participation.”
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “We’re thrilled to expand our existing partnership with ARC. Working with Doncaster and its revered St Leger Festival is truly a privilege, while we’re also looking forward to sending over a horse for the All-Weather Championships next Spring at Newcastle.
“Collectively, we’re playing our part to bring US and UK racing closer together across elite races on all surfaces.”
