Letter to the Editor: Is the Derby a Restricted Race?

Nick de Meric | Keeneland photo

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

I have a couple of questions, the answers to which have eluded me.

It is my understanding that restricted stakes cannot be awarded graded status, no matter the purse. So, if several of the most talented three-year-olds in the country are prevented from running in the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, does this make them restricted stakes?

If so, should they retain their Grade I status, be downgraded, or have their graded status removed altogether?

Respectfully,

Nick de Meric.

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