New Graded Stakes designations in harness racing

Quote from Lonnie on January 7, 2025, 10:15 AM

I don't think money should be the entire deciding factor in grading a stakes race. There's a certain panache to the race's name and history that should be considered as well.  For example, if the Little Brown Jug raced for just $50,000, it is still a Grade 1 race in my eye.

Quote from MaywoodAl on January 7, 2025, 2:53 PM

I don't understand why the state-bred races are going to be graded. There is already a grading in place. 

Quote from Bgtolex25 on January 7, 2025, 3:50 PM

If anything, the buyer of bargain to modest priced yearlings might get more of a buyer’s market if there is less BOLD and regular black type on the page.  From our end of the business, it might be a good thing. I hate insane pricing, which in my opinion is anything over $100,000-150,000 for a yearling.

It will be something different for the standardbred market.