Downgrading of Two Canadian Graded Stakes Races for 2024

The Bessarabian Stakes and the Royal North races are set to move down a grade, from grade 2 to grade 3.

This decision was made by the Graded Stakes Committee of The Jockey Club of Canada following their yearly assessment of graded and listed races across the nation. Despite this adjustment, the total number of graded stakes in Canada will remain at 42.

The committee's meeting, overseen by the new chair Bernard McCormack, included members David Anderson, Doug Anderson, Jim Bannon, Catherine Day Phillips, Ross McKague, and R. Glenn Sikura, the chief steward of The Jockey Club of Canada. Jeffrey Begg, unable to attend, shared his input before the meeting. Representatives from various racetracks, such as Allen Goodsell and Teagan Goodsell from Alberta, Scott Henson from British Columbia, Ross McKague from Manitoba, and Julia Bell, Tim Lawson, and Scott Lane from Ontario, were also present.

The committee meticulously examined the North American Race Committee data and Race Quality Scores for all graded, listed, and potential races in Canada. Following this thorough analysis, it was decided that the Bessarabian Stakes and the Royal North Stakes, previously classified as grade 2 races at Woodbine in 2023, will both be reclassified as grade 3 races. Additionally, the Century Mile Handicap, Hamilton Stakes, and Speed to Spare Championship will be promoted to listed status.

Listed races are considered to be of a standard below-graded race but hold a higher standing compared to non-listed black-type races.