Trish Dunell Photography
The Auckland Cup (3200m) will retain its Group One status for at least the next three years.
Its rating has been in danger, but the immediate threat has been lifted as a result of world-wide support to boost the quality of major staying races.
Four races have been upgraded from Listed to Group Three status - the Matamata Slipper (1200m), the Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), the John Grigg Stakes (1400m) and the Johnstone Handicap (1200m) - and another upgraded to Listed status - the El Roca Trophy (1200m).
The New Zealand Pattern Committee (NZPC) has downgraded the White Robe Lodge Handicap (1600m) from Group Three to Listed status and the Taumarunui Cup (2100m) has lost its Listed status.
First warnings have been issued for 10 Group races, including the New Zealand Cup (3200m), Rich Hill Mile (1600m), Avondale Cup (2400m), Royal Stakes (2000m), Japan Trophy (1600m), Taranaki Cup (1800m) and Wellington Stakes (1600m).