IT is a little worrying that the Group 1 status of the Tattersalls Gold Cup is in jeopardy. This is Ireland’s premier middle-distance race for older horses in the early part of the season, and it would be a real shame were it to be downgraded by the European Pattern to Group 2 status.

You can see why the warning has been issued, mind you. The status of races in the eyes of the European Pattern Committee is governed by the average ratings of the first four horses home every year.