A Material Change: American Graded Stakes Inconsistency

re: A Material Change: American Graded Stakes Inconsistency

Slewguru — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:51:12 GMT

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one upset about the changes to the filly CLASSIC CCAO! It was once 1 1/2 mile, now 1 1/8, what's in store next?

re: A Material Change: American Graded Stakes Inconsistency

Patuxet — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:30:25 GMT

Hear! Hear! An important point well taken. You can't lower the net and/or change the size of the court and still call it the same game.

I too was particularly incensed by the latest disrespect shown by the NYRA to the venerable CCA Oaks. IMO in this country there no longer exists any consistently meaningful standard for measuring classic 3YO filly achievement.

Allison Roulston

re: A Material Change: American Graded Stakes Inconsistency

ap — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:23:37 GMT

Case proven for why a material change does not always equate to reclassification. One would argue that opening the races up to older horses is less of a change than the examples given.

re: A Material Change: American Graded Stakes Inconsistency

sceptre — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:14:11 GMT

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Doubt, though, that it will do much good, as the powers that be in Racing's various and splintered "committees" seem immune to all criticism. The American Graded Stakes Committee is one appointed by the TOBA. Yes, a "democratic" process within the TOBA chose this committee. But, what democratic process granted the TOBA authority over matters pertaining to the grading of stakes races in the first place? While we're at it, notice that the Breeders' Cup recently mandated that by 2013 their races will be race-day drug free-including Salix (Lasix). This was decided by the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors-appointed by the Members of The Breeders' Cup. It's interesting to note that this Board of Directors contains not one equine veterinarian; that profession also absent from their entire membership. Not suggesting that this issue is the sole provence of the vet, but one would think their voice/vote is deserving of inclusion...All this speaks to the need for merit/expertise over mere popularity/industry "power".