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Across the world, the highest level of races are classified into a system of graded or group races, with the highest level being Group 1/Grade 1 (G1) races, followed in decreasing quality order by Group 2/Grade 2 (G2), Group 3/Grade 3 (G3), and Listed or Listed Restricted (L or LR).
This system was first born in 1971 through the establishment of the European Pattern Committee, which included France, Great Britain, and Ireland. The system proved to be useful, and spread across the world. The years different countries instituted a pattern race system of group/graded stakes is below:
1971: France, Great Britain, Ireland
1972: Germany
1973: United States of America, Canada
1975: Brazil
1976: Australia
1979: New Zealand
1984: Japan
Countries that use 'Group': Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Peru
Counties that use 'Graded': Canada, Japan, South Africa, United States of America
Sources by country