The European Pattern Committee has approved upgrades for six Pattern races and four new Listed races in 2016, including the granting of Group 2 status to the Curragh Cup Stakes for three-year-olds and upwards over 14 furlongs and the Minstrel Stakes run over seven furlongs, both of which are held at the Curragh.

The Flame of Tara Stakes (2yo fillies, 8 furlongs) also run at the Curragh, received an upgrade to Group 3, whilst Britain secured upgrades into the Pattern for the City of York Stakes (3yo+, 7 furlongs) and the Aston Park Stakes (4yo+, 12 furlongs), and France promoted the Prix Bertrand De Tarragon (3yo+ fillies, 1800m) to Group 3.