Commonwealth Cup joins Qipco British Champions Series

The new Group One three-year-old sprint at Royal Ascot, named the Commonwealth Cup, replaces the Gr.2 Betfred Temple Stakes at Haydock Park.

In the mile division, the Gr.1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes replaces the Gr. 2 Shadwell Joel Stakes. As a result all British Group One races for horses three years-and-upwards are now included in the series.

Newmarket's QIPCO 2000 Guineas has been ranked the highest three-year-old race in the world by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Its conclusion was based on the performances of the first four horses past the post in the last three runnings of the race - Night Of Thunder won last year's race for trainer Richard Hannon Jr, and was chased home by the brilliant pair Kingman and Australia.

The highest-rated race in the world, based on the same criteria, is York's Juddmonte International, which is also in the QIPCO British Champions Series. Last year's race was won by Derby winner Australia from French Derby winner The Grey Gatsby, with Telescope and Eclipse Stakes winner Mukhadram following them home.

Rod Street, chief executive of British Champions Series said: "Once again a British race has been named the top race in the world, underlining the calibre of British racing and its status as a leading horseracing destination. No country has more races in the top ten than Britain and each race forms part of the QIPCO British Champions Series reflecting its aims of promoting the very best of the sport."

The QIPCO British Champions Series begins at Newmarket on May 2 with the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. The full list of races can be found at www.britishchampionsseries.com/fixtures