The New York Racing Association has entered into a three-year partnership with Hoppegarten Racecourse in Berlin, Germany to host an intercontinental stakes series beginning in 2017.
As part of the agreement, NYRA will offer the winner of the 2017 G2 Diana-Trial, contested by 3-year-old fillies over 2000 meters of turf June 4, an all-fees-paid invitation to the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational July 8. The Belmont Oaks is well positioned 34 days after the Diana-Trial and 29 days before the G1 German Oaks.
The winner of the May 14 G2 Comer Group International Oleander-Rennan will receive a similar invitation to compete in the two-mile Belmont Gold Cup Invitational June 9.
NYRA will provide travel allowances and race day hospitality for the winners of either race.
“The New York Racing Association is thrilled to enter into a relationship with Hoppegarten Race Course. As we look to elevate our international presence, this agreement connecting these races made a lot of sense in trying to further promote both of our racing programs,” said Martin Panza, NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. “The timing is ideal and the race conditions match. The story behind Hoppegarten Race Course is most fascinating and we look forward to working together in our efforts to bring German-based horses to race in New York.”
Gerhard Schöningh, Owner and Chairman of Hoppegarten Racecourse, added, “I am delighted with this exciting new partnership which offers owners excellent prize money and raises our international profile. In addition, winning connections can experience a unique race day at Belmont Park in iconic New York.”
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