Types of Horse Races

What Is Horse Racing?

Horse racing is a thrilling and time-honoured sport that tests the strength, agility, and speed of horses as they race to finish first across the line. It’s a beloved form of competitive racing that’s popular in the UK and many other parts of the world. 

There are two main types of horse races: flat races and National Hunt races. Each of these offer unique challenges, as do the racecourses they’re run on. Thankfully for horse racing fans, you can find races taking place almost every day of the year. 

Here are some of the most important British horse racing events:

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is proudly listed on the National Hunt Racing calendar. Held at Cheltenham Racecourse in March each year, this features a series of championship races and showcases the best horses in jump racing.

Grand National

The Grand National is a world-famous steeplechase race that takes place at Aintree Racecourse in April each year. The unique course has challenging obstacles and has become an iconic, must-see event, even for those who don’t otherwise follow horse racing. 

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is a revered event that takes place in June at Ascot Racecourse. It showcases the very best of thoroughbred racing and has roots going back to the early 18th century. It is also a cultural occasion, with lots of fashionistas, dignitaries, and royals turning out each year. 

Epsom Derby

This is a flat race that takes place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on the first Saturday of June. This race has a long history dating back to 1780. It is popular with royalty and high society and is the second out of the five British Classic races, preceding the St. Ledger and following the 2,000 Guineas.

Flat Racing

Flat racing is run on a level course, with no jumps and fences. The focus is therefore on the horse’s speed and endurance, the aim being to cover the distance as quickly as possible. 

Within the flat racing category there are different lengths of races: sprints, middle distance and long distance, each naturally suiting some horses better than others. Longer races test a horse’s endurance, while the sprints are all about speed. 

Some of the most prestigious flat races include:

• The Epsom Derby, often referred to simply as “The Derby.”
• Royal Ascot.
• The Oaks
• The 1,000 Guineas: a classic race for fillies (three-year-olds).
• The 2,000 Guineas: the male equivalent of the 1,000 Guineas.

National Hunt Racing

National Hunt racing involves obstacles like hurdles and steeplechase jumps. Of the two main types of horse races, National Hunt races are renowned for their physical and mental demands on both horses and jockeys.

These races test the horse’s ability to jump fences and hurdles — which vary in height and width — while maintaining stamina and speed over 2 to 4 miles. It’s an all-round test of their athletic ability and courage.

Steeplechases like the Grand National are a subcategory of National Hunt races. These are longer and have larger fences and obstacles. They’re widely seen as an ultimate test of stamina. 

Prominent National Hunt races include:

• The Cheltenham Festival, of which the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a highlight.
• The Grand National: a world-famous steeplechase race.
• The Aintree Hurdle: Another of the most popular hurdles races known for attracting elite horses and jockeys.
• King George VI Chase: A race that’s part of the UK’s Boxing Day tradition. 

All-Weather Racing

Unlike grass (turf) horse racing, all-weather racing is run on an artificial surface that allows races to go ahead no matter the weather. 

All-weather tracks are usually constructed from synthetic materials like polytrack or fibresand, which are cushioned to reduce injury risk and provide consistency for foot placement.

Several UK racecourses have all-weather race tracks. These include:

• Lingfield Park in Surrey. 
• Kempton Park in Surrey. 
• Southwell Racecourse in Nottinghamshire.
• Wolverhampton Racecourse in the West Midlands.
• Chelmsford City Racecourse in Essex.

Graded/Group Races

You can also categorise types of horse races as Graded races and Group races. Graded races apply to National Hunt racing, while Group races are in flat racing. The classifications of these denote their quality and competitiveness. 

There are three classes of Graded races in National Hunt racing: Grade 1, 2 and 3. Grade 1 is the highest and most challenging, and usually comes with a bigger prize pot.

Notable races in the Grade 1 category include the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, and the King George VI Chase. 

There are also 3 categories of Group races, Group 1 being the most prestigious. Examples of Group 1 races include the Derby and the Oaks, while stakes races add another layer of excitement.

Classic Races

Classic races are among the most historic and distinguished types of horse races on the flat. The British racing calendar has five Classic races each year.

The 2000 Guineas

This is a Group 1 one-mile race for three-year-olds. It’s held at Newmarket Racecourse on the Rowley Mile track at the start of the flat racing season. 

The 1000 Guineas

This is the equivalent of the 2000 Guineas for fillies. It’s also run on the Rowley Mile track at Newmarket. 

The Oaks

This Classic Group 1 race for fillies is held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, and is 1 mile and 4 furlongs in length. It was inaugurated in 1779, and is one of the major highlights of the flat racing season. 

The Derby

The famous Epsom Derby is a Group 1 race that’s 1 mile and 4 furlongs long. It has a rich history and is open for three-year-old colts and fillies.

The St. Leger

This is both the oldest and the longest of all 5 Classic races. It is 1 mile and 6 furlongs long and is the final Classic of the season.

Handicap Races

Handicap racing is designed to level the playing field in different types of horse races. Horses are assigned a weight based on their past performances in an attempt to level the playing field. The better the horses, the more weight is added. 

Notable flat handicap races include the Cambridgeshire Handicap and the Royal Hunt Cup. The Grand National is the most famous handicap steeplechase and the weights here are a frequent topic of discussion. 

Novice Hurdle/Novice Chase Races

Novice hurdle races are for horses that have limited experience and haven’t won many hurdles races. The hurdles are lower and easier, which makes them suitable for young horses. These are considered a stepping stone for entering more competitive events. 

Similarly, novice chase races are steeplechases that are designed for less experienced horses. The eligibility criteria varies, but usually it depends on whether the horse has any previous chase victories. 

These races are designed to help younger horses learn the skills to clear fences and endure longer distances. Like the novice hurdle races, these are a stepping stone for progression to competitive steeplechase events.  

Maiden Races

Much like the novice hurdles and chases, maiden races are for horses who haven’t won a race before in that category before. These horses take part in maiden races to gain experience and learn how to compete. Mares who haven’t won a race before can also compete.

Maiden races exist in both flat and jumps racing. Many of them are bumpers, which means they’re flat races held on a jumps racing track.

Claiming Races

A claiming race or claimer is a type of horse racing event during which horses can be bought or ‘claimed’ by interested parties at a predetermined price. 

In claimers, the horses are listed and licensed buyers that are willing to pay the claiming price can take ownership of the horse straight after the race. 

Claiming races have key characteristics:

• The claiming price: each horse has a claiming price assigned by their owner. The price is stated in the race conditions.
• Ownership transfer: if a buyer claims a horse, there is a transfer of ownership immediately after the race. 
• Equal opportunities: these races are designed to allow similar horses to compete against each other and be claimed. 

Selling Races

Selling races are similar to claiming races but the key difference is in the timings and process of ownership transfer. All competing horses are offered for sale at a reserve price specified by the owner. Unlike in claiming races, the ownership isn’t concluded until there is a successful sale agreed either afterwards or at auction. 

Frequently Asked Questions