Canadian graded stakes: Algonquin upgraded to Grade 3 in 2026

The Jockey Club of Canada’s Graded Stakes Committee recently held its annual review of graded and listed stakes races in Canada without making many changes. The number of graded stakes in Canada will remain at 41. One graded stakes was downgraded and one listed race was upgraded.

After reviewing the North American Race Committee figures for all listed and black-type races in Canada, the committee downgraded the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby to listed status. The Algonquin has been upgraded to Grade 3 status. Additionally, the Century Casino Oaks, King Corrie, Niagara, and Thorncliffe have all been upgraded to listed status.

The Graded Stakes Committee meeting was conducted by chair Ross McKague, who was accompanied by the appointed committee members David Anderson, Jim Bannon, Jeff Begg, Catherine Day Phillips, Bernard McCormack, and the Jockey Club of Canada’s chief steward, Doug Anderson. The attending racetrack representatives included Allen Goodsell, Teagan Goodsell, and Mike Vanin from Alberta; Ross McKague representing Manitoba; and Julia Bell and Scott Lane from Ontario.

There are five Grade 1 stakes for 2026, all at Woodbine: the Canadian International, E.P. Taylor, Natalma, Summer, and Woodbine Mile. All except the Canadian International were Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In qualifiers in 2025.

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