DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Dubai's premier sprint race has been added to the Global Sprint Challenge for 2012, extending the series to 10 legs in six nations.
In addition to the Dubai Golden Shaheen's inclusion in the series, changes to the $1 million GSC bonus structure were announced Tuesday. To be eligible for the bonus in 2012, a horse must win a GSC race in three countries, which can include the horse's country of origin. Previously, the horse had to score three GSC victories outside its own jurisdiction to be eligible.
The Golden Shaheen, to be run at the Medan Racecourse March 31, World Cup night, will become the third leg of the series. GSC Chairman Leigh Jordon said the Challenge deserves a presence at the world's richest race day.
"The Dubai Golden Shaheen is one of the world's top sprints with a proven record of attracting horses from multiple jurisdictions and will be a welcome addition to the Global Sprint Challenge," Jordon said.
The series for 2012:
Feb. 18: Coolmore Lightning Stakes, Flemington, Australia
March 25: Takamatsunomiya Kinen, Chukyo, Japan
March 31: Dubai Golden Shaheen, Meydan, UAE
May 20: KrisFlyer International Sprint, Kranji, Singapore
June 19: King's Stand Stakes, Royal Ascot, England
June 23: Golden Jubilee Stakes, Royal Ascot, England
July 14: Darley July Cup, Newmarket, England
Sept. 30: Sprinters Stakes, Nakayama, Japan
Nov. 10: Patinack Farm Classic, Flemington, Australia
Dec. 9: Hong Kong Sprint, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
