Global Sprint Challenge

The Global Sprint Challenge is a Thoroughbred horse racing series inaugurated in 2005 as a series of six sprint races run across three racing jurisdictions in Australia, England and Japan. In 2006 the series expanded to seven races across four racing jurisdictions with the inclusion of a race in Hong Kong and in 2008 the series expanded to eight races when an additional race in England became part of the series.

*The Champion Sprinter trophy is awarded to the connections of the horse that accumulates 42 points or more in a single season, and participates in challenge races in at least three countries.

*The Global Sprint Challenge Champion is eligible to win a $US 1 million bonus for connections, provided the champion has competed in challenge races in all four countries and wins a minimum of three Group 1 races in the series in three different countries.

Challenge History

2005 – Inauguration of six race series
2006 – Series expanded to seven races with the inclusion of the Hong Kong International Sprint
2006 – $US 1 million bonus incentive added to series
2008 – King's Stand Stakes upgraded to Group 1 from Group 2
2008 – Series expanded to eight races with the inclusion of the July Cup
2008 – The Age Classic replaces the Australia Stakes as the second Australian leg of the series

Global Sprint Challenge races

Lightning Stakes (G1) at Flemington Racecourse
King's Stand Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot
Golden Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot
July Cup (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse
Centaur Stakes (G2) at Hanshin Racecourse
Sprinters Stakes (G1) at Nakayama Racecourse
The Age Classic (G1) at Flemington Racecourse
Hong Kong International Sprint (G1) at Sha Tin Racecourse

The Challenge Winners

* 2005 – Cape of Good Hope
* 2006 – Takeover Target
* 2007 – Miss Andretti ** Champion Sprinter trophy not awarded

References