Further to proposals put forward to the BHRC in regard of the Sire Stakes 4YO divisions, the Directors met recently and discussed the issue.

It was noted and agreed that the number of entries for the 4YO divisions have dwindled and have provided two or three horse races at best and Walkovers most recently. This it was felt is not in the interest of the licence holders, the promoter staging the races, the series itself nor the viewing and betting public.

The Directors have therefore decided to revert the 4YO division of the Sire Stakes to the previous format, whereby the Promoter staging the Sire Stakes Event will offer and promote a 4YO division or Free For All event open to previous Sire Stakes raced pacers.

The Sire Stakes will stage a 4YO division in the current format up to 2020 as the 2017 Yearlings were sustained to a series providing three divisions as 2YO, 3YO and 4YO.

Yearlings nominated from 2018 and on will be sustained to a series providing two divisions as 2YO and 3YO. The prize funds will be split equally and will increase due to the phasing out of the 4YO. Separate division for colts and fillies will continue.