Passing Glance takes the honours in last year's Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury. DA3681P1SALISBURY Racecourse's reputation for top quality contests has received a further boost with its feature race - The Sovereign Stakes - being upgraded from Listed to Group 3 status, writes Mike Turner.

The prestigious one-mile contest for colts and geldings, aged three years and older, becomes the first 'Pattern' race at Salisbury for almost 20 years.

Delighted clerk of the course, Jeremy Martin, explained: "The race has done particularly well in the last couple of seasons and the average ratings of the first four horses home both years resulted in the race getting the upgrade we were hoping for."

Staged on Thursday, August 12, the 2004 race is to be sponsored by the Tote.

The Sovereign Stakes had been a Listed race (the next level down from Group 3 class) for four years, but had attracted Group 3 type horses because of the increased prize money that was offered.

Last year, as a £50,000 race, it was won by Passing Glance who beat the 2002 winner Priors Lodge in dramatic fashion by a short head.

Both horses went on to win a Group 2 race (the next level up from Group 3) within a month of the Salisbury showpiece.

Martin added: "Last year's race had Group 3 written all over it, so we are delighted that the European Pattern Com-mittee, who decide these horse racing upgrades, confirmed their decision last week."

The last Group 3 race at Salisbury was in 1986 - the old 2,000 Guineas Trial - which moved to another racecourse.

Ironically, Passing Glance is part-owned by Salisbury Racecourse chairman, Michael Wates, who added: "Passing Glance's victory was a real highlight and the horse improved again after that.

"I am pleased that Salisbury will again be able to stage a Group race - the course has deserved it. We have a very good level of prize money for a small independent racecourse, and we continue to attract particularly nice horses every year."

Ruth Quinn, director of racing at the British Horseracing Board, added: "I am very pleased for Salisbury because they have worked so hard to make the Sovereign Stakes a success."

Salisbury's 2004 season gets under way earlier than previous years, kicking off with an evening meeting on Thursday, April 22. Racing continues on Sunday, May 2 with its traditional Bank Holiday family fun day meeting.

Annual membership of the Bibury Club, which offers entry to all 15 race days at Salisbury, plus reciprocal days at other courses including Goodwood, Newbury and Sandown, is £135. Ring 01722 326461 for full details.