Stayers' Million to return in 2019 with four extra qualifying races

Weatherbys Hamilton, sponsors of the Stayers' Million, have announced the series, won in its inaugural year by the John Gosden-trained Stradivarius, will return in 2019 with the addition of four further qualifying races.

The Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan, Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan, International Oleander-Rennen at Berlin-Hoppegarten and Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp join the existing list of four British qualifying races.

If any horse successful in one of these races goes on the win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, Goodwood Cup at the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the Lonsdale Cup at York's Ebor Festival, their connections will win the £1 million prize.

Charles Hamilton, chief executive of the sponsors, said: "From the moment that Stradivarius crossed the line in the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup at York last year, it was always our intention to continue with the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ Million in 2019.

"It is very gratifying to be closely associated with a group of horses whose survival is so vital to the health and diversity of the racing and breeding industries."

John Gosden: 'It is a very bold and imaginative initiative to support the elite staying horse in Europe'Credit: Alan Crowhurst

Stradivarius qualified for the bonus through his victory in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup in May 2018, before reeling off the three consecutive victories required for the £1m bonus.

Gosden said: "It is a very bold and imaginative initiative to support the elite staying horse in Europe.

"It certainly captured the imagination and the inclusion this time of four international Group races in the initial stages of the challenge, can only build on the momentum that is promoting such a vital part of the racing and breeding programme

"Stradivarius is happy and well," he added. "He's looking forward to defending his title."

The five-year-old is the current top-priced 11-4 favourite for the Ascot Gold Cup, followed by Kew Gardens at a general 6-1 and Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter at 10-1.

Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million

Qualifying races

Dubai Gold Cup (Meydan) – March 30
Vintage Crop Stakes (Navan) – April 28
Longines Sagaro Stakes (Ascot) – May 1
Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes (Chester) – May 9
International Oleander-Rennen (Berlin-Hoppegarten) – May 12
Yorkshire Cup (York) – May 17
Matchbook Henry II Stakes (Sandown Park) – May 23
Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (Longchamp) – May 26

Championship races

Ascot Gold Cup (Ascot) – June 20
Qatar Goodwood Cup (Goodwood) – July 30
Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup (York) – August 23

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