The Emirates World Series Racing Championship concluded for 2001 with Agnes Digital's win in the Hong Kong Cup (HK-G1) at Sha Tin racecourse on Sunday and with an announcement by World Series officials that two more races have been added to the international series, which is to enter Phase II from 2002 to '04, with more announcements about the developments World Series forthcoming. The series will be expanded to 14 races with the additions of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1) at Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong on April 21 and the International Cup (Sin-G1) at Kranji racecourse in Singapore on May 11.

"After the successful conclusion of the third year of the Emirates World Series in Hong Kong on December 16, and the crowning of Fantastic Light as the world champion for the second successive year, it gives us great pleasure to make the first of a series of announcements about the developments of the World Series Phase II," World Series Chairman James E. Bassett III said. "We are delighted to welcome these prestigious races to the championship."

In September, Emirates Airlines announced plans to end its three-year sponsorship of the World Series, citing concerns over the uncertainties in world affairs. World Series officials said announcement about new sponsorship would be made in the New Year.

"We would like to pay particular tribute to Emirates Airlines and the authorities in Dubai for their partnership and friendship in launching the first stage of the World Series 1999 to 2001," said Nick Clarke, executive director of the World Series Championship. "They have given us an outstanding foundation for the future."

Following is the World Series schedule for 2002:

Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), Nad al Sheba, March 23

Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1), Sha Tin, April 21

International Cup (Sin-G1), Kranji, May 11

King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (Eng-G1), Ascot, July 27

Arlington Million Stakes (G1), Arlington Park, August 17

Grosser Preis von Baden (Ger-G1), Baden-Baden, September 1

Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-G1), Leopardstown, September 7

Canadian International (Can-G1), Woodbine, September 29

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1), Longchamp, October 6

Cox Plate (Aus-G1), Moonee Valley, October 26 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), Arlington Park, October 26

Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), Arlington Park, October 26

Japan Cup (Jpn-G1), Tokyo, November 24

Hong Kong Cup (HK-G1), Sha Tin, December 15