Canadian graded stakes get pared down

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — The number of graded stakes in Canada was decreased to 40 for 2022 after the Jockey Club of Canada’s graded stakes committee held its annual review. The decrease is due partially to individual racetracks choosing to place selected races on hold for the 2022 season and other races that have felt the repercussions of the pandemic. Additionally, two graded stakes races were downgraded.

The Committee reviewed the North American Race Committee figures and the Race Quality Scores (RQS) for all of the graded stakes races in Canada. In general, evaluation indicated slight declines in the performance of most graded stakes across Canada. These numbers will remain on historical record and were used to upgrade, downgrade, or place on watch any individual races. The 2020 racing season was recognized as anomalous. However, the 2021 NARC figures and RQS numbers were reviewed and analyzed according to historical standards. The committee is, however, fully aware of the possibility that some effects of the pandemic of 2020 and 2021 may continue in the future.

:: View the list of Graded Stakes for 2022 in Canada here.

Some of Canada's most high-profile stakes will be on hiatus. The Grade 1 Northern Dancer, the Grade 2 Nijinsky, and the Grade 2 Play the King will not be returning in 2022. The Grade 1 Canadian International will be placed on hold for 2022.

The Grade 1 Highlander has been downgraded to Grade 2 status, and the Grade 3 Ballerina has been downgraded to listed status. Additionally, the listed Ascot Graduation and British Columbia Oaks are required to reapply for black-type status, having not run in 2020 or 2021.