York Racecourse

Totepool Middleton Stakes awarded Group Two Status

19th January 2010

York Racecourse is delighted to announce that the totepool Middleton Stakes has been increased in status to Group 2 level. This upgrade has been awarded to only two races in the UK this year and so reflects the consistent high quality of this important middle distance contest for older fillies.

As a result the prize money for the race will be increased to £100,000. It will be run on Thursday May 13th as a feature contest on the middle day of the prestigious Dante Festival (Wednesday May 12th to Friday May 14th).

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course said, “The team at York are delighted that the totepool Middleton has been upgraded. York is committed to improving the quality of its racing and it becomes the fourth Group 2 of a fantastic week. This is a fitting recognition for the quality horses that have run in the race in the past and for the ongoing support of totesport.”

The race attracts the very best of the older fillies, such as subsequent Darley Yorkshire Oaks winner Dar Re Mi, who shared a thrilling finish with the 2009 victor Crystal Capella, trained by Sir Michael Stoute. The same leading yard was responsible for the 2008 winner, Promising Lead and the star of 2003, Zee Zee Top, both of whom went on to win at the highest level when taking Group One races in France and Ireland respectively.

The growing prominence of the race means that it has already been identified as a likely first race as a four year old for Sariska, the current English and Irish Oaks champion. Her trainer Michael Bell said, “This could be the  ideal race for a horse like Sariska ahead of what we hope will be another big season for her, and the significant increase in prize money is a welcome boost, as a trainer I’m grateful to totesport and York.”        
Demonstrating the reward for leaving a horse in training, the 2007 race provided a first black type victory for Topatoo; the popular filly trained by Yorkshireman-in-exile Mark Tompkins, she was a real course specialist, winning four times at York including her maiden back in 2005.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, totesport, Jason Brautigam said, “We have a long-established partnership with York and have worked closely with the racecourse to build the profile of totesport Dante Day over the past five years.  That investment has reaped its rewards with some top class horses participating in the feature races and the elevation of the totepool Middleton Stakes to Group Two status can only see it go from strength to strength.  The increase in prize money will undoubtedly help to cement the meeting’s position as one of the premier fixtures in the flat racing calendar.”

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