The number of graded stakes in Canada has decreased to 40 for the 2022 racing season, the Jockey Club of Canada announced Feb. 18 while releasing the results of its graded stakes committee’s annual review.

The Northern Dancer Stakes (G1T), Nijinsky Stakes (G2T), and Play the King Stakes (G2T) will not return in 2022, and the Pattison Canadian International (G1T) will be placed on hold.

The committee reviewed the North American Race Committee figures and the Race Quality Scores for all of the graded stakes races in Canada. In general, evaluation indicated slight declines in the performance of most graded stakes races across Canada. These numbers will remain on historical record and were used to upgrade, downgrade, or place on watch any individual races. Although 2020 was recognized as an anomalous year, 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 COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21 may continue in the future.

After reviewing the NARC figures and the RQS numbers for all listed and black type races in Canada, the committee determined that the Highlander Stakes (G1T) will be downgraded to grade 2 status and the Ballerina Stakes (G3) will be downgraded to listed status. The Ascot Graduation Stakes and the British Columbia Oaks are required to reapply for black type status, having not run in 2020 or 2021.