The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association released its 2026 graded and listed stakes race designations after reviewing 942 U.S. stakes races with purses of at least $75,000. For 2026, 410 races received graded status—five fewer than in 2025—with 92 Grade 1, 136 Grade 2, and 182 Grade 3 races. Eleven graded races were upgraded, including one new Grade 1 (Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs) and ten new Grade 2 races, while thirteen were downgraded, including two Grade 1 races. Additionally, 211 races were listed, with some upgrades and downgrades between listed and non-listed black-type status.

Notable changes include the upgrade of the Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes to Grade 1, driven by increased purses at Kentucky Downs due to historical horse racing gaming, and the downgrades of the Franklin-Simpson Stakes and Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes from Grade 1 to Grade 2. Several races at California tracks were downgraded, reflecting the lack of gaming revenue to supplement purses. The committee also adjusted numerous races between Grade 2 and Grade 3, and between graded and listed status, reflecting ongoing evaluations of race quality and purse levels across major U.S. racetracks.