Flat racing - Definition and Overview

Flat racing is a term commonly used in the United Kingdom to denote a form of horse-racing which is run over a predetermined distance and in which the horses are not required to jump over obstacles such as hurdles or fences as in National Hunt racing. This form of racing is a test of speed and stamina, and the skill of the jockey in determining when to hold the horse back or make it work harder.

Racing takes place on a natural grass surface (turf) or on a synthetic surface (known as "all-weather").
The flat races in the United Kingdom are run over a variety of distances from five furlongs (5/8 of a mile) to over two miles and are generally called sprints, middle distance or stayers races.

How It Works

In the United Kingdom, (and the majority of Europe) flat racing is split into two distinctive bands, conditions races and handicaps.

• Conditions races are further split into
  • Pattern races
    • Group 1 - (Classics and other races of major international importance)
    • Group 2 - (less important international races)
    • Group 3 - (primarily domestic races)
  • Listed races - have less prestige than the group races but are still more important than handicaps.
• Handicap races - where the Jockey Club official handicapper gives horses a different weight to carry according to their ability, are the bread and butter daily races although some of these are also quite prestigious.

• The United Kingdom has five Classic races:
  • Epsom Derby
  • Epsom Oaks
  • One Thousand Guineas Stakes
  • St. Leger Stakes.
  • Two Thousand Guineas Stakes

See also

• List of horse races