Epsom hoping 'exceptional' Pinatubo can help reinstate Woodcote to Listed level

Pinatubo's outstanding National Stakes win had more than just Charlie Appleby, William Buick and Godolphin purring as the colt’s superstar Curragh performance could pave the way for Epsom’s Woodcote Stakes to return to Listed level.

The £60,000 six-furlong contest, which traditionally opens the Investec Derby festival, was last run as a Listed race in 2016, and has been run as a valuable conditions race for the last three years.

However, the heights Pinatubo, who won this year’s renewal by a length and a half, has reached following his subsequent wins at Royal Ascot, Goodwood and the Curragh could go a long way to helping fulfil Epsom’s ambition of seeing the race reinstated to Pattern class.

Coventry Stakes winner Buratino is among a host of talented winners in the last decade to use the Woodcote as a stepping stone to bigger thingsCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Speaking on Monday, Andrew Cooper, clerk of the course at Epsom, said: “I didn’t see Pinatubo's Wolverhampton debut, but I’ve seen every performance since and he just seems to get better and better. He dwelt at the start at Epsom and was well on top at the end.

“I think any racecourse manager or clerk of the course loves seeing horses from your portfolio of races going on and doing well in subsequent contests and he’s proved absolutely exceptional.”

The Woodcote Stakes was first run in 1794 and Cooper was vocal on social media about the boost Pinatubo’s performances could give the race.

Cooper added: "The Investec Woodcote Stakes lost its Listed status for the 2017 renewal, which comes about as a result of a process whereby each race in the Pattern is judged on its average rating over a three-year period. Ratings are based on the first four horses.

“It would be an ambition of ours to see it reinstated as a Listed race as soon as possible. The race has to produce an average rating of 95 and Pinatubo, where this year’s renewal is concerned, is going to lead to a very healthy yearly rating for the race.

“It’s a decision in the first instance of the domestic Pattern committee in this country whether the race gets put forward for its status. I’m sure it will be on their radar and it certainly is on ours.”

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