There are six grades of Greyhounds at Tri-State, AA, A, B, C, D and M (Maiden). The racing performance of the Greyhounds determines their grading. The winner of any race, except maiden, is advanced one grade until reaching grade AA. Greyhounds racing in grade AA have earned the right to race in this class and are currently the best dogs at Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center. Below is a summary of the grading rules.

Tri-State Grading System Summary
Grade	M	D	C	B	A	AA
Advance a Grade	Finish 1st place in grade M race (Graded to D or C at trainer's option)***	Finish 1st place in grade D race (Graded to C)	Finish 1st place in grade C race (Graded to B)	Finish 1st place in grade B race (Graded to A)	Finish 1st place in grade A race (Graded to AA)
Hold the Same Grade	Finish in a 4th place or better in one of its last 6 races A 3rd place finish or better will hold this grade for 6 more races	Finish in a 3rd place or better in one of its last 4 races A 3rd place finish or better will hold this grade for 4 more races	Finish in a 4th place or better in one of its last 4 races A 4th place finish or better will hold this grade for 4 more races	Finish in a 3rd place or better in one of its last 4 races & in last 4 races must have two 3rd place finishes or better A 2nd place finish will hold this grade for 4 more races	Finish in a 3rd place or better in one of its last 3 races & in last 4 races must have two 3rd place finishes or better A 2nd place finish will hold this grade for 4 more races	Finish in a 3rd place or better in one of its last 3 races & in last 4 races must have two 3rd place finishes or better A 2nd place finish or better will hold this grade for 4 more races
Drop a Grade	Does not have a 4th place finish or better in one of its last 6 races (Ineligible to race)	Does not have a 3rd place finish or better in one of its last 4 races (Graded off)	Does not have a 4th place finish or better in one of its last 4 races (Graded to D)	Does not have a 3rd place finish or better in one of its last 3 races or in last 4 races did not have two 3rd place finishes or better (Graded to C)	Does not have a 3rd place finish or better in one of its last 3 races or in last 4 races did not have two 3rd place finishes or better (Graded to B)	Does not have a 3rd place finish or better in one of its last 3 races or in last 4 races did not have two 3rd place finishes or better (Graded to A)

*** Maidens may also advance to grade D by any of the following:

1. On the first of the month AFTER the dog has turned 24 months old.
2. Finished a 3rd place or better in all of its last 4 races.
3. On the first of the month of January, April, July and October.

Maidens who are graded under any of the above conditions MUST have a 1st place finish by age 36 months or they become ineligible to race.