Race Grades

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Maiden

Maiden races are open to horses of any age with no wins (usually two year olds). They run right throughout the year, mostly at a mile distance, and winning one is a requirement for moving up to the next grade. They are the lowest grade you can enter, and no Feature races run here.

Grade III

Grade III is where horses with 1-10 wins mainly run, and where most horses fall. They're not very competitive, but are a requirement to reach the higher grades, and do offer Feature races, as well as Juveniles from Meet 3 onwards. The four Juvenile Features on Summer Stakes Day run in this category, as well as the Hollinsworth Prelude for three year olds at the beginning of the year.

Grade II

Grade II is where most quality racers will end up, demanding anything from 10-25 wins as a precursor to running in their more competitive racers. Several well-known Features run in this grade, though no Juveniles, and high class normal races are run here every meet as well.

Grade I

Grade I is the highest grade possible to get, and the place where many champions will end up. Grade I races are held in almost as high regard as Features, though they do not count towards awards, and the horses here are well-known. A horse must have at least 25 wins to run here, and high-level Features such as the Green Isle Cup are held at this level.

Open

Open is a grade requiring anything from 1-40 wins to run in, allowing horses of all levels to go head to head in its races. Open races are by far the most competitive, and also where the best Features are held; the Virtuity Treble for both dirt and turf, the Summer Stakes and the American Cup are all held at this level, as well as many other Features aside - Open is the best place to find races that count towards awards. No Juveniles are held here, due to the grade being open to everyone to enter, but it provides an excellent opportunity for younger horses to step out against the older and see if they have what it takes.

Features

Feature races are important and highly regarded races that count towards end of year awards. They are open for any horse eligible in their grade to enter, though are highly competitive races that many horses will never even compete in, and showcase the best of the best in all grades. Horses capable of winning Features are held in high regard and make excellent stud and broodmare prospects. Features are run at every meet, though not always in each grade, or at each surface or distance.

Juveniles and Juvenile Features

Races marked as Juveniles are strictly for two year olds only. They require no wins for a horse to enter, and are generally held at GIII level. These races begin running in Meet 3 each year, and are an alternative way for two year olds to break maiden. Juvenile Features are twice as important - they begin to seperate future Feature runners from the crowd, and give two year olds a way to vie for award spots without having to face older, more experienced horses.