Canadian Graded Stakes Increase to 42 for 2023

The Jockey Club of Canada's graded stakes committee held its annual review of the graded and listed stakes races in Canada. The number of graded stakes in Canada will increase to 42. The increase is due to the return of the Canadian International Stakes (G1T) and the upgrade of one listed race to grade 3 status. No graded stakes races were downgraded.

The Committee reviewed the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures and the Race Quality Scores (RQS) for all graded, listed, and potentially listed races in Canada. Last year was the first since 2019 that restricted movement of horses and humans did not hamper field size and, ultimately, race quality. Most races achieved as good or better scores in 2022 and their status was secure. A few races were granted concessions for their slow recovery based on their superior historical references and acceptable current numerical evaluations.

After reviewing the NARC figures and the RQS numbers for all listed and black-type races in Canada, the Committee determined that the Seagram Cup Stakes (G3) will be upgraded to grade 2 status and the listed Belle Mahone Stakes will be upgraded to grade 3 status. Additionally, the Ontario Damsel Stakes and the Algonquin Stakes (previously run as the Ontario Racing Stakes) will be upgraded to listed status. The complete list of Canadian graded stakes is available here.