New Listed race for Dundalk Dundalk will host a new Listed race in April as part of a number of changes to the Listed Flat programme for 2013 announced by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) today. The Patton Stakes, a Guineas trial for 3yo's over 7 furlongs at Dundalk on April 5, will effectively replace the Loughbrown Stakes at the Curragh. The latter name title has been moved to headquarters on September 29, and is now a Listed race for 3yo's and up over two miles. There are also a number of changes of dates for some existing Listed races, with the Martin Moloney Stakes at Limerick being moved from June 21 to May 5. This race will now be for 4yo's and up over 12½ furlongs to provide an additional early season opportunity for middle distance horses. Two Dundalk races have been moved earlier in the calendar with the Carlingford Stakes now on October 18 (from November 15 and the Cooley Stakes a week earlier to November 1. Announcing the changes, HRI’s Director of Racing Jason Morris said, “The creation of the Guineas trial at Dundalk is due recognition for the high quality of horses that have been running on the all-weather surface there, while the new Loughbrown Stakes will provide a first black type opportunity over a distance beyond 14 furlongs and is ideally located in the calendar after the Irish St Leger and before British Champions Day.”
