Quote, Unquote: Brett Sturman

 

"If the graded stakes system is truly meant to be used as a marketing tool in the slightest way, then I would propose that there needs to be a wagering component tied to the graded status. 

It’s completely counterproductive and does nothing for the promotion of a track where horses race for big money purses with non-existent crowds present to watch, and race handles that come nowhere close to matching the race purses offered. 

For a harness race to carry graded significance especially with a grade 1, then people actually have to care about it. There needs to be attendance and/or handle measures that also determine the prestige of the event."

- Brett Sturman in his Harness Racing Update column about how wagering handle should be included as a criteria when grading stakes races.