Three new Group 1 events in North America

The North American Owners and Breeders Association has upgraded three events to Group 1 status for 2010.  They are the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, Alfred G. Vanderbilt Hcp at Saratoga and Clark Hcp at Churchill Downs.

The committee downgraded five races from G1 to G2 for 2010:  the Citation Hcp at Hollywood Park, Frank J. De Francis Memorial at Laurel Park, Go for Wand Hcp at Saratoga, John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar and Santa Maria Hcp at Santa Anita.

The Committee assigned Group status to 487 events – two less than 2009.