The flat racing fraternity is buzzing after the launch of the championship format Sovereign Series concept this week. After centuries of viewing the United Kingdom’s top group one races in isolation, plans are afoot to link 10 existing group one races into an official season championship.

The proposed series will combine some of the richest races in the sports into a £10 million championship, where racehorses will not only be paid out cash prizes for individual race wins, but will also accumulate championship points according to performances. At the end of the season the top three racehorses will stand to share a further purse of £2 million.

Comparisons have been made between the proposed Sovereign Series and major sports tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League and 20Twenty Champions League, both of which were designed to broaden support for their respective sports.

While the Sovereign Series promises to inject fresh life into thoroughbred racing, it may be a while yet before racing fans see the best racehorses in England participating in a season championship. Broadcasting rights are yet to be agreed upon and the aspiring organisers of the series still require the endorsement of some of the biggest names in British racing.