The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) wishes to advise that The Metropolitan (3yo+ handicap, 2400m) has been downgraded from Group 1 to Group 2 status, effective from the 2026/27 season.

Having failed to meet the relevant ratings parameter for the past three seasons, The Metropolitan was subject to downgrade consideration by the Asian Pattern Committee (APC) at its meeting in July 2026.  At that meeting, the APC considered a submission from Racing Australia (RA), which included a proposal from Racing NSW (RNSW), to implement material changes to the race conditions.  Conditional on those changes being implemented, the APC determined that The Metropolitan should remain at Group 1 for the 2026/27 season.

RA subsequently notified the APC that RNSW has determined not to proceed with the proposed changes to the race conditions, and requested that The Metropolitan be downgraded to Group 2 for this year’s running of the race.  This downgrade was endorsed by the APC and approved by the ARF Executive Council.

This decision has been reported by the ARF to the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), which is responsible for subsequently reporting any significant decisions to the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers, prior to publication in the International Cataloguing Standards Book 2027.