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Graded stakes race

April 30, 2023

A graded stakes race is a thoroughbred horse race in the United States that meets the criteria of the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). A specific grade level (I, II, III or listed) is then assigned to the race, based on statistical analysis of the quality of the field in previous years, provided the race meets the minimum purse criteria for the grade in question. In Canada, a similar grading system is maintained by the Jockey Club of Canada. Graded stakes races are similar to Group races in Europe but the grading is more dynamic in North America.

The grading system was designed in 1973 and first published in 1974. The original purpose of grading was to identify the most competitive races, which helps horsemen make comparisons of the relative quality of bloodstock for breeding and sales purposes.[1] A high grading can also be used by racetracks to promote the race in question. When determining Eclipse Award winners, racing journalists will consider the number and grade of a horse's stakes wins during the year.

In general, stakes race refers to the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay, which generally forms part of the prize money offered to the top finishers. Not all stakes races are eligible for grading. Notably, races that are restricted to horses bred in a specific state (e.g., the Tiznow Stakes for California-breds) or country (e.g., the races that make up the Canadian Triple Crown, all restricted to Canadian-breds) are excluded, regardless of the purse or quality of field. Conversely, some races that are not technically stakes races (usually invitational races where entry fees are not required by the racetrack) may be eligible for grading if they meet the quality standards.

Criteria

The American Graded Stakes Committee grades only races that:[1]

  • Have a purse of at least $75,000 for a listed race, $100,000 for Grade III, $200,000 for Grade II, and $300,000 for Grade I.
  • Have been run for two years under fundamentally the same conditions. (The race's distance for example may be slightly altered, but age and sex conditions may not.)
  • Restrict entries only by age and sex. For example, a race may be restricted to three-year-old fillies and be eligible for grading. However, races that are restricted by where the horse is bred are not eligible for grading.
  • Have post-race drug testing managed by a governmental authority.
  • Follow rules for androgenic-anabolic steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, allowing only Boldenone, Nandrolone, Stanozolol, and testosterone. (This is a minimum standard; some racing jurisdictions have even higher restrictions on medications)

In 2008, the Committee began requiring that toe grabs on the horseshoe, designed to improve traction, be no longer than 2 millimeters. This was in response to studies by Dr. Susan Stover showing that such toe grabs substantially increase the risk of catastrophic racing injuries.[2][3] They have also discussed a phase-out on the race day use of furosemide (Lasix).[4]

A newly established race may inherit the graded status of a discontinued race if it is held at the same facility under essentially identical conditions as the discontinued race. For example, the inaugural running of the Pegasus World Cup in January 2017 was Grade I, inheriting the status of the discontinued Donn Handicap.[5]

Levels

There are four grade levels, from Listed at the bottom to Grade I at the top. The latter are higher-class races for bigger prizes for horses of the same age group (2, 3 or 3 and up) and may further be restricted by sex. The weight conditions of the races may vary provided they meet the Committee's standards to ensure competitiveness. Many grade I races are "weight-for-age", with weights adjusted only according to age and sex, and also there are "set weights" where all horses carry the same weight (usually applicable when all horses are of the same age and sex). Furthermore, there are "conditions" races, in which horses carry weights that are set by conditions, such as having won a certain number of races, or races of a certain value. Finally, some graded stakes are "handicaps", in which an official handicapper assigns weights to each horse in an attempt to equalize the competition.

Note that all Grade I races must have a purse of at least $300,000, but not all races with such high purses are Grade I. For example, the racetrack may be offering a high purse to attract better fields so the race will be upgraded in future years. The grade level is assigned by looking at data that indicates quality of the field for the last five years. In order to achieve or maintain a Grade I, it is necessary to attract a competitive field over a number of years.

For graded turf races, track conditions (normally excessive rain) may sometimes force the race to be run on the main (dirt) track. If this happens, the race is automatically downgraded by one grade level for that running only. The Committee then reviews the race within five days and may restore the original grade. For example, a Grade I turf race that is switched to the dirt will be recorded as a Grade II race, unless the committee feels the quality of the race was sufficient to warrant Grade I.

In the United States and Canada, a graded race can be dormant for one year without losing its grade.

U.S. graded stakes races

See also: List of American and Canadian Graded races

Grade I changes since 2010

The following races have been downgraded from Grade I status since 2010:

The Hopeful Stakes was downgraded from grade I to grade II for 2012 but regained the top rating in 2013[8]

The Donn Handicap was discontinued after its 2016 edition; its Grade I status was transferred to the Pegasus World Cup, which held its first edition in 2017

Delaware Handicap was upgraded to grade 1 status in 2013 but was downgraded back to grade 2 in 2018[13]

The following races were upgraded to Grade I status since 2010:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Graded Stakes". toba.org. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  2. ^ "Graded Stakes Tied to Adoption of Rules". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  3. ^ "Committee Calls for Ban on Certain Toe Grabs". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  4. ^ "Phase-Out of Lasix in Graded Stakes Discussed". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  5. ^ "Pegasus World Cup to Carry Grade I Status". bloodhorse.com. The Blood-Horse. July 22, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Graded and Listed Races for 2019 Released". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d "Blue Grass, Wood Memorial Downgraded". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Delaware Handicap, Hopeful Now Grade I". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  9. ^ a b c "TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g "Four New Grade I Stakes for 2012". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  11. ^ a b "2011 Graded Stakes: 13 Fewer Than '10". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  12. ^ a b c "Eight Stakes Elevated in Status for 2014". bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  13. ^ "AGSC Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2018". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  14. ^ "Blue Grass Stakes Resumes Grade 1 Status; Secretariat, Flower Bowl Downgraded For 2022". paulickreport.com. Retrieved 10 May 2022.

External links

  • Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
  • An Explanation of the American Graded Stakes Process
  • Graded stakes committee to require adoption of steroid, toe grab rules 2021-03-29 at the Wayback Machine

April 30, 2023
graded, stakes, race, graded, stakes, race, thoroughbred, horse, race, united, states, that, meets, criteria, american, graded, stakes, committee, thoroughbred, owners, breeders, association, toba, specific, grade, level, listed, then, assigned, race, based, s. A graded stakes race is a thoroughbred horse race in the United States that meets the criteria of the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association TOBA A specific grade level I II III or listed is then assigned to the race based on statistical analysis of the quality of the field in previous years provided the race meets the minimum purse criteria for the grade in question In Canada a similar grading system is maintained by the Jockey Club of Canada Graded stakes races are similar to Group races in Europe but the grading is more dynamic in North America The grading system was designed in 1973 and first published in 1974 The original purpose of grading was to identify the most competitive races which helps horsemen make comparisons of the relative quality of bloodstock for breeding and sales purposes 1 A high grading can also be used by racetracks to promote the race in question When determining Eclipse Award winners racing journalists will consider the number and grade of a horse s stakes wins during the year In general stakes race refers to the stake or entry fee owners must pay which generally forms part of the prize money offered to the top finishers Not all stakes races are eligible for grading Notably races that are restricted to horses bred in a specific state e g the Tiznow Stakes for California breds or country e g the races that make up the Canadian Triple Crown all restricted to Canadian breds are excluded regardless of the purse or quality of field Conversely some races that are not technically stakes races usually invitational races where entry fees are not required by the racetrack may be eligible for grading if they meet the quality standards Contents 1 Criteria 2 Levels 3 U S graded stakes races 3 1 Grade I changes since 2010 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksCriteria EditThe American Graded Stakes Committee grades only races that 1 Have a purse of at least 75 000 for a listed race 100 000 for Grade III 200 000 for Grade II and 300 000 for Grade I Have been run for two years under fundamentally the same conditions The race s distance for example may be slightly altered but age and sex conditions may not Restrict entries only by age and sex For example a race may be restricted to three year old fillies and be eligible for grading However races that are restricted by where the horse is bred are not eligible for grading Have post race drug testing managed by a governmental authority Follow rules for androgenic anabolic steroids and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs allowing only Boldenone Nandrolone Stanozolol and testosterone This is a minimum standard some racing jurisdictions have even higher restrictions on medications In 2008 the Committee began requiring that toe grabs on the horseshoe designed to improve traction be no longer than 2 millimeters This was in response to studies by Dr Susan Stover showing that such toe grabs substantially increase the risk of catastrophic racing injuries 2 3 They have also discussed a phase out on the race day use of furosemide Lasix 4 A newly established race may inherit the graded status of a discontinued race if it is held at the same facility under essentially identical conditions as the discontinued race For example the inaugural running of the Pegasus World Cup in January 2017 was Grade I inheriting the status of the discontinued Donn Handicap 5 Levels EditThere are four grade levels from Listed at the bottom to Grade I at the top The latter are higher class races for bigger prizes for horses of the same age group 2 3 or 3 and up and may further be restricted by sex The weight conditions of the races may vary provided they meet the Committee s standards to ensure competitiveness Many grade I races are weight for age with weights adjusted only according to age and sex and also there are set weights where all horses carry the same weight usually applicable when all horses are of the same age and sex Furthermore there are conditions races in which horses carry weights that are set by conditions such as having won a certain number of races or races of a certain value Finally some graded stakes are handicaps in which an official handicapper assigns weights to each horse in an attempt to equalize the competition Note that all Grade I races must have a purse of at least 300 000 but not all races with such high purses are Grade I For example the racetrack may be offering a high purse to attract better fields so the race will be upgraded in future years The grade level is assigned by looking at data that indicates quality of the field for the last five years In order to achieve or maintain a Grade I it is necessary to attract a competitive field over a number of years For graded turf races track conditions normally excessive rain may sometimes force the race to be run on the main dirt track If this happens the race is automatically downgraded by one grade level for that running only The Committee then reviews the race within five days and may restore the original grade For example a Grade I turf race that is switched to the dirt will be recorded as a Grade II race unless the committee feels the quality of the race was sufficient to warrant Grade I In the United States and Canada a graded race can be dormant for one year without losing its grade U S graded stakes races EditSee also List of American and Canadian Graded races Grade I changes since 2010 Edit The following races have been downgraded from Grade I status since 2010 The Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park 2019 6 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland 2017 7 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita 2020 Charles Whittingham Memorial Stakes at Hollywood Park 2013 8 Eddie Read at Del Mar 2016 9 Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct 2013 8 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Hollywood Park 2012 10 Las Virgenes at Santa Anita Park 2016 9 Los Alamitos Futurity at Los Alamitos 2019 6 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont 2017 7 Pat O Brien Stakes at Del Mar 2012 10 Pimlico Special at Pimlico 2011 11 Prioress Stakes at Saratoga 2014 12 Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder 2014 12 Ruffian Handicap at Saratoga 2012 10 Santa Anita Sprint Championship at Santa Anita 2020 Santa Anita Oaks At Santa Anita 2020 Santa Margarita at Santa Anita 2019 6 Santa Monica Stakes at Santa Anita 2013 8 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs 2019 6 Triple Bend at Santa Anita 2019 6 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park 2020 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct 2017 7 Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita 2019 6 The Hopeful Stakes was downgraded from grade I to grade II for 2012 but regained the top rating in 2013 8 The Donn Handicap was discontinued after its 2016 edition its Grade I status was transferred to the Pegasus World Cup which held its first edition in 2017Delaware Handicap was upgraded to grade 1 status in 2013 but was downgraded back to grade 2 in 2018 13 The following races were upgraded to Grade I status since 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf 2012 10 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf 2011 11 Breeders Cup Turf Sprint 2012 10 Churchill Downs Stakes 2019 6 Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing 2012 10 8 Fourstardave at Saratoga 2016 9 Jaipur Invitational at Belmont Park 2019 6 Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland 2012 10 La Troienne Stakes at Churchill Downs 2014 12 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing 2017 7 Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park 2019 6 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland 2019 14 See also EditGroup One List of horse races List of American and Canadian Graded racesReferences Edit a b Graded Stakes toba org Retrieved 14 August 2016 Graded Stakes Tied to Adoption of Rules bloodhorse com Retrieved 13 August 2016 Committee Calls for Ban on Certain Toe Grabs bloodhorse com Retrieved 14 August 2016 Phase Out of Lasix in Graded Stakes Discussed bloodhorse com Retrieved 25 June 2016 Pegasus World Cup to Carry Grade I Status bloodhorse com The Blood Horse July 22 2016 Retrieved August 26 2016 a b c d e f g h i Graded and Listed Races for 2019 Released BloodHorse com Retrieved 1 December 2018 a b c d Blue Grass Wood Memorial Downgraded BloodHorse com Retrieved 2 December 2016 a b c d e Delaware Handicap Hopeful Now Grade I bloodhorse com Retrieved 25 June 2016 a b c TOBA Announces U S Graded and Listed Stakes bloodhorse com Retrieved 25 June 2016 a b c d e f g Four New Grade I Stakes for 2012 bloodhorse com Retrieved 25 June 2016 a b 2011 Graded Stakes 13 Fewer Than 10 bloodhorse com Retrieved 25 June 2016 a b c Eight Stakes Elevated in Status for 2014 bloodhorse com Retrieved 25 June 2016 AGSC Announces U S Graded and Listed Stakes for 2018 BloodHorse com Retrieved 11 April 2018 Blue Grass Stakes Resumes Grade 1 Status Secretariat Flower Bowl Downgraded For 2022 paulickreport com Retrieved 10 May 2022 External links EditGraded Stakes Database Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association An Explanation of the American Graded Stakes Process Graded stakes committee to require adoption of steroid toe grab rules Archived 2021 03 29 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Graded stakes race amp oldid 1142628577, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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