THE Group 2 Duke of York Stakes at York’s Dante meeting in May has been renamed the Minster Stakes as the track moves to distance itself from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Recent winners of the race include Harry Angel, Starman, Highfield Princess and Mill Stream. Three British blacktype races are in danger of being downgraded next year, depending on their performance in 2026. Two of them are at Newbury and one is at Sandown.

Newbury Spring Cup’s listed status will be removed by the European Pattern Committee [EPC] if the race does not reach the required annual parameter this year, after failing to reach the mark for two consecutive years.

The Group 2 status of the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury in late September was maintained by the EPC for this year following a unanimous vote. However the race will need to achieve its annual parameter this year or it will be downgraded automatically in 2027.

Finally, the Listed National Stakes at Sandown in May will be downgraded if the race’s three-year average rating following this year’s renewal is more than 2lb below its parameter for a second consecutive year.

Italian changes

Six Italian blacktype races have been downgraded for 2026 by the EPC but the threat of sanctions against Italian racing has been removed “in recognition of the significant progress made in Italy in terms of the regularisation of their prize money payments and improvements to their administrative procedures in line with the standards expected.”

Due to Capannelle racecourse in Rome not being operational until September, the blacktype races due to be run in Rome during the first half of the year have been moved to San Siro in Milan, aside from one listed contest which moves to Florence.

This will mean that the Group 3 Premio Parioli (Italian 2000 Guineas), Group 3 Premio Regina Elena (Italian 1000 Guineas) and Group 2 Derby Italiano will all be run at a different venue this year.

Less blacktype

Jason Morris, chair of the EPC, said: “The EPC has reduced the number of scheduled blacktype races for a fifth year in a row, with the total falling from 853 races in 2021 to 811 races in 2026. This reflects the collective responsibility that the EPC member countries share towards enforcing quality control.

“The EPC also recognises the challenges being faced with falling foal populations and a diminishing supply of high-quality horses throughout Europe, and it will continue to work collaboratively to keep this critical issue under review,” he added.