RacingTwo new Group One races have been created for the 2004 flat season in Ireland.

The Curragh's Pretty Polly Stakes (June 26th) and Leopardstown's Matron Stakes (September 11th) have been promoted from Group Two status under the new Europe-wide drive to increase opportunities for older mares and fillies.

Horse Racing Ireland confirmed the new Irish arrangements yesterday as the European authorities try to stop the pattern of three-year-old fillies retiring or being transferred to the US.

Other changes see a new Group Two race at the Curragh on May 22nd, the Blandford Stakes (September 18th) moving from Group Three to Group Two status.

Cork's Blue Wind Stakes (May 14th) is moved from Listed to Group Three and the Noblesse Stakes (June 16th) is promoted to Group Three from Listed.

Meanwhile, Paul Nicholls celebrated the arrival of the first significant rain of the new jumps season by sending out Albuhera to complete a hat-trick in the Jewson Handicap Hurdle Final at Cheltenham yesterday.

Nicholls, who is set to unleash his talented two-mile chaser Azertyuiop at Exeter next week, has brought about swift improvement from Albuhera who, under Joe Tizzard, proved five lengths too strong for Flying Spirit.

Nicholls said: "He's certainly gone the right way since winning at Chepstow and is a talented horse who has taken a while to get the hang of things.

"At one time it looked questionable whether he would adapt to jumping, but now he appears to love it.

"I shall talk to his owner David Jackson and see what happens as he is in again in a £40,000 race at Ascot on Saturday. It's possible he could run again, but I may well wait for the Paddy Power meeting next month."