The European Pattern Committee has adjusted the European stakes schedule for 2026

This marks the fifth consecutive year of reductions, in line with the policies spearheaded by the organization for racing in the Old Continent

European racing will see shifts in its schedule during 2026 / COOLMORE

ROME, Italy (Special to Turf Diario).– During its primary meeting held on February 5 at the Ministry of Agriculture in Rome, the European Pattern Committee (EPC) reviewed all Pattern and Listed races held in 2025 and approved a series of significant changes for the 2026 European stakes program. The message is clear: fewer black-type races, but stricter quality control.

For 2026, 811 black-type races have been authorized (down from 814 in 2025), distributed across 409 Group races (411 in 2025) and 402 Listed races (403 last year). This marks the fifth consecutive year of reductions, in line with the streamlining policy spearheaded by the organization.

Two races have been promoted from Group 3 to Group 2. In France, the Prix Paul de Moussac (1,400m, 3-year-olds, ParisLongchamp) reaches G2 status after consistently exceeding the required ratings, cementing its place as a key stepping stone to the Prix Jean Prat (G1). Germany, meanwhile, secured the promotion of the Bavarian Classic(2,000m, Munich), which moves to G2 and strengthens the path toward the Deutsches Derby.

Additionally, five new Listed races were approved: France creates the Prix Esotérique (1,600m, fillies and mares 4+); Germany incorporates a Listed Derby trial in Dortmund (2,050m); Ireland adds the Firville Stakes (2-year-old fillies, 1,400m at Cork); while Italy and Sweden reinstate the Premio Emanuele Filiberto (Milan) and the Jägersro Sprint. It is also noted that the Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown will officially become a G1 in 2026, with its distance increased from 1,600 to 1,800 meters.

France Galop is introducing calendar changes to enhance media exposure. The Prix d'Ispahan, the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, and the Prix du Palais-Royal will move to a Thursday night card at Longchamp (May 21), three days earlier than in previous editions. The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud will be held on July 5, a week later to provide better separation from Royal Ascot, a similar criteria applied to the Prix Jean Prat. Furthermore, the Prix Alec Head(formerly the Pomone) will be moved forward to optimize its position relative to the Vermeille.

Due to the temporary inactivity of Capannelle, several Roman races will relocate to San Siro (Milan). Among them, the Derby Italiano, the Premio Parioli, and the Premio Regina Elena will change venues in 2026. In tandem, the EPC withdrew the threat of sanctions against Italy following administrative and financial progress by MASAF. Furthermore, the purse for the Premio del Jockey Club (G2) will double to €500,000, with future ambitions for a promotion to G1.

Four Pattern races have been downgraded and three Listed races have lost their status, most notably the descents of the Premio Roma, Premio Lydia Tesio, and Premio Dormello in Italy, as well as the Scandinavian Open Championship in Denmark. Additionally, 22 races will remain under observation in 2026 with the risk of being downgraded in 2027.

EPC Chairman Jason Morris emphasized that the reduction from 853 black-type races in 2021 to 811 in 2026 reflects a shared responsibility to maintain international standards in a context of declining foal crops and a lower supply of quality horses. Europe, thus, reconfigures its stakes pyramid. Fewer races, higher standards. A necessary adjustment in times where quality must uphold the prestige of the continental pattern.