Harness Racing Embraces Graded Stakes System to Elevate Industry

The U.S. Trotting Association has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will bring a new level of prestige and recognition to the harness racing industry. Beginning in 2025, graded stakes information will be included in the pedigree pages of yearling sales catalogs, providing a clear and standardized way to identify the top-tier races and the horses that have excelled in them.

Unlocking the Potential of Harness Racing's Elite Competitions

Establishing a Graded Stakes System

The decision to implement a graded stakes system in harness racing comes as a result of extensive collaboration between major sales companies, breeders, and the USTA. A Graded Stakes Committee was formed in 2023 to provide the industry with a comprehensive guide to the relative quality and racing class of horses, based on their performances in the most prestigious races.The committee's work involved reviewing races from 2021 to 2024 and establishing a tiered system of Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 stakes, based on specific purse requirements. This standardized approach will bring much-needed clarity and recognition to the top-tier races in the sport, allowing for more effective marketing and promotion of these elite events.

Grading Criteria and Considerations

The grading system is not solely based on purse size, but also takes into account the quality of the fields, as determined by a points system that evaluates the performances of horses in graded stakes races. This holistic approach ensures that the grading accurately reflects the true competitive nature of each event, rather than relying solely on monetary factors.Importantly, the committee has also addressed the issue of restricted races, creating a separate "R" designation for state- or province-restricted stakes finals. This acknowledges the success and quality of these horses, while still distinguishing them from the truly open, graded events.

Driving Industry Growth and Competitiveness

The introduction of graded stakes information on pedigree pages is expected to have a significant impact on the harness racing industry. By clearly identifying the top-tier races and the horses that have excelled in them, breeders, owners, and buyers will have a more comprehensive understanding of a horse's accomplishments and potential.This, in turn, is likely to spur increased competition among racetracks, as they strive to attract the best horses and maintain or improve the grading of their marquee events. The committee envisions a scenario where tracks will be motivated to enhance purses or make other strategic adjustments to ensure their races remain at the forefront of the industry.

Aligning with Thoroughbred Best Practices

In developing the graded stakes system for harness racing, the committee closely examined the successful model established in the Thoroughbred industry, which has utilized a graded stakes program since 1973. This cross-pollination of ideas and practices is expected to provide valuable insights and a solid foundation for the harness racing initiative.The involvement of Chris McErlean, a USTA director and vice president of Penn Entertainment Inc., which operates both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing properties, has been instrumental in ensuring that the harness racing graded stakes system aligns with the best practices and proven benefits observed in the Thoroughbred world.

Embracing Change and Driving Innovation

The implementation of the graded stakes system in harness racing represents a significant shift in the industry's approach to recognizing and promoting its top-tier events and horses. While change can sometimes be met with resistance, the committee members are confident that this initiative will ultimately benefit the sport and its stakeholders.As USTA Vice Chairperson Mark Loewe noted, "This is something that's been talked about for many years, and whether people agree with the grades or not, it's something I think the industry has needed for a long time. We really think graded stakes will be advantageous for everyone involved."The annual review process and the inclusion of diverse perspectives on the Graded Stakes Committee further underscores the industry's commitment to adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs and expectations of the modern harness racing landscape.