Horse Racing Classes and Grades Explained

How to Understand Horse Racing Classes and Grades: A Complete Guide

First, let us identify the two main types of racing – Flat and jump racing. Flat racing takes place on level surfaces, both turf and artificial, while jumps racing sees the protagonists jumping a series of obstacles whilst completing the course.

There are some differences in the UK horse racing classification systems for both unique racing types.

Broadly speaking, the classification system for jumps and Flat racing runs along similar theories, albeit with varying terminology relatable to both disciplines.

What are Horse Racing Classes and Grades and Why Are They Important?

One of the key premises of racing is that horses of similar ability should be competing against each other, in order to facilitate competitive racing. Over time and with development, horses' demonstrated ability allows them to navigate up and down a classification system that should, in theory, pit them against rivals of equal or similar ability on terms that are often designed to create a level playing field.

By adhering to the established classification system, the sport of horse racing is able to host races where the competing horses' ability are matched. The classification system allows punters to predetermine the quality of race expected and the level of ability its participants have obtained.

The UK Horse Racing Classification System Explained

Flat and jumps are the two main types of racing in Britain. The hierarchical structure used for race classification is similar in theory for both pursuits, but the terminology used helps to create distinct differences between the two.

Essentially, the UK Horse Racing Classification System is in place to try and avoid mismatches in ability.

The ability of a horse changes over time, owing to age, experience, injuries etc. – as with human athletes – and the classification system helps to ensure they are racing amongst peers of similar ability.

There are two main levels of race classification in Flat racing:

• Pattern Races (highest quality) – Includes Group or Listed races
• Handicaps and other races – Divided into Classes (from Class 1 to Class 6).

Flat Racing: Group and Listed Races

The highest level of racing on the Flat is known as Pattern racing in the UK and throughout Europe. These races are divided into four established levels.

• Group 1
• Group 2
• Group 3
• Listed Races

Group 1 is the highest level, the most elite races such as the Epsom Derby. The remaining three levels are incremental decreases in quality for the top-performing horses. Performers typically would progress through the ranks of these races in their careers.

There are Group-races exclusive to certain age-groups, most commonly for two-year-olds in their first season racing.

Jump Racing: Graded Races

Jump racing follows a similar Pattern, though the top level races are Graded – as opposed to Group on the Flat. Grade 1 races would include races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup or Champion Hurdle. These are the elite contests on the calendar for established top performers.

• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Listed

As with Flat racing, younger/inexperienced horses have their own Graded races as novices, before graduating into open company.

The Class System: From Class 1 to Class 6

Outside of Pattern races, most horses run in handicaps. Handicaps are run from Class 1 to Class 6, with each class taking in a certain ratings band based on the Official Rating (OR) of a horse at any given moment. Official Ratings (or handicap marks) rise and fall based on most recent performances.

Understanding Handicap Classes and Official Ratings (OR)

Every horse has to run three times to attain an official rating from the BHA Handicapper, the central governing body of the sport. Once an opening mark is attained, it is then maintained based on track performance.

In a handicap race, the weight carried by each horse is determined based on official rating (OR), with the aim of the handicapper being to allow every horse in the race to stand an equal chance, based on demonstrated ability.

Handicap marks are exclusive to each discipline, Flat or jumps, and a horse with the ability to perform in both codes can maintain a separate rating in both. Furthermore, in jump racing, a separate handicap mark can be maintained over hurdles and/or fences as these are viewed as independent disciplines.

Other types of races

Aside from Pattern races and handicaps, there are certain other types of race worth looking out for, both on the Flat and over jumps.

• Maiden Races: For horses that have never won.
• Novice Races: For horses with less experience or that haven't won more than a couple of races.
• Claiming/Selling Races: Horses can be bought after the race.
• Conditions Races: Weight is based on age, sex, or past wins — not a handicap.

How Classes and Grades Affect Betting

Knowledge of the Racing Classification System is a very useful tool when assessing races for betting purposes.

As a horse progresses in its career and achieves notable performances, the official rating increases with improved performance. A horse could win three time in Class 5 company, ensuring a revised rating will now place it into Class 4, thus racing against a higher quality of opponent. While that improving horse might carry less weight in Class 4 company, it would do so against opposition of a higher standard and this has to be factored into betting decisions.

For punters betting in these cases, reading form and determining if the horse has scope for further improvement is vital in assessing how it might perform in a higher grade of race.