Canada Upgrades Algonquin Stakes to Grade 3 for 2026

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 remain at 41. One Graded Stakes race was downgraded and one Listed race was upgraded. 

The Graded Stakes Committee meeting was conducted by Committee 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. As well, 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.

The Committee reviewed the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures for all Graded, Listed, and potentially Listed races in Canada. 

After reviewing the NARC figures for all Listed and black-type races in Canada, the Committee determined that the Grade 3 British Columbia Derby will be downgraded to Listed status. The Algonquin Stakes will be upgraded to Grade 3 status. Additionally, the Century Casino Oaks, King Corrie Stakes, Niagara Stakes, and Thorncliffe Stakes will all be upgraded to Listed status.

Graded Stakes for 2026 in Canada