Eight Up In Grade Eight Irish races have been upgraded by the European Pattern Committee following a meeting in Stockholm. Four contests have seen their status rise from Group 3 to Group 2, chief among which is the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.Won in the last three years by the subsequent winner of the Epsom Derby, it is joined at Group 2 level by the Matron Stakes at the same course and by both the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes and the Anheuser Busch Railway Stakes at the Curragh.Leopardstown's Ballysax Stakes moves from Listed to Group 3, as does the Brownstown Stakes, whilst at the Curragh the Athasi Stakes and the Mooresbridge Stakes also go up in grade.
