Types of Horse Racing Explained

To a layman, the idea of there being types of horse racing can seem a little far-fetched. He or she might believe that this sport is relatively simple – a bunch of jockeys ride horses around a track until one of them wins.

In reality, different types of horse races exist. These range from the classic flat racing that most people are familiar with to more obscure events such as endurance racing. To help you get to grips with these various types, you’ll find in-depth explanations on each one below. So, whether you’re a beginner who wants to keep abreast of the different events before you bet, or an experienced bettor who wants to find out about different races you can take a flutter on, learn all about the types of horse races here.

What are the different types of horse racing?

There are many different types of horse racing but the most popular ones include:

• Flat racing
• Jump racing
• Harness racing

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Flat Racing

Flat racing is the most common type around the world. As the name might suggest, it consists of a race that takes place on a completely flat surface that fluctuates in firmness depending on the season. The official range of firmness is called the ‘going’ and has seven distinct stages; hard, firm, good to firm, good, good to soft, soft, and heavy. While this grading system applies to all types of horse racing, in a flat race it can significantly affect the speed of the runners.

Flat horse racing is a test on the speed and endurance of the horses, as well as the skill and management of the jockeys, which is why many racing fans considered it to be the pinnacle of the sport. In the United Kingdom, these races are usually run at a distance of five furlongs to over 16 furlongs (two miles), while there are also shorter races referred to as sprints. Generally, all races are run on grass turf, though all-terrain surfaces are becoming more frequent. If you’re looking to place a bet, you won’t struggle to find flat horse racing odds on the Betsafe horse racing lobby, as there’s always a race taking place somewhere in the world!

Naturally, there are a few types of flat horse racing too. These are:

• Maiden Race – for horses that have yet to win one.
• Novice Race – for horses that have not won more than two flat races or one race but has run more than twice. Two year olds are excluded.
• Selling/Claiming Race – a race where the winners and occasionally the other runners too are sold or auctioned after the race.
• Handicap – a race in which horses are allocated a weight inline with their ability. Handicapped racing is explained in more detail further down.
• Nursery – a race exclusively for two year old horses.
• Group Races – top races for the best horses that are grouped as Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3.
• Auction Races – a race limited to horses that fulfill certain criteria based around their auction price.

Handicapped racing is more of a condition that is imposed on certain races rather than a specific type of horse race. Handicapping is when each horse in any given event is allocated a different weight according to its ability. The weight imposed upon the horse consists of the jockey and the equipment, with small lead weights used to make up the difference if necessary. This is done in an attempt to even the competitiveness of the race. For example, if you have a particularly slow horse (by racing standards) it will have a lighter weight, while a heavier weight will be given to a faster horse. In theory, the two horses will become somewhat balanced and be able to race competitively, with neither one having an advantage over the other.

When betting, there’s no sure-fire way to work out which horse will be less affected by its handicap, so the skill is in picking a horse which is better than the bookmakers think it is. This can only be achieved by a strong knowledge of the horse’s previous races, as well as the record of the jockey.

National Hunt Racing

National Hunt racing is any race that has jumping or hurdles in it – it’s the the type of horse racing with fences and ditches. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the majority of National Hunt racing takes place between autumn and spring, ensuring that the ground is soft enough that, should a horse and rider fall, it will minimise damage.

Similarly, there are a few National Hunt race options, namely:

• Hurdles Races – include the smallest types of obstacles that can easily be knocked out the way
• Steeplechase (Chase) Races – feature larger obstacles which are more difficult to jump over
• National Hunt Flat (Bumper) Races – consist of no obstacles and are primarily designed for inexperienced runners and jockeys who’re just learning the basics of jumping.

Horse racing hurdles involve the horse having to jump over hurdles throughout the race. Generally, these are constructed out of flexible wood and brush and stand at a minimum height of three feet and six inches, making them relatively easy obstacles for the runners to avoid. For added protection, the top layer is specifically designed to fall should the horse not fully clear the jump. This reduces the risk of the horse and rider falling and getting injured.

The Steeple chase is a much harder type of horse race than hurdles, as the fences are bigger, harder to clear, and there are significantly more obstacles. Rather than the brush fences, runners have to clear natural bushes, which are dense and higher than the traditional fences, meaning there’s a higher risk of injury to the horse and rider if they don’t clear the jump. On top of that – unlike horse racing hurdles – jumps often have ditches and water in front of them, adding to the skill level required to compete in one of these events.

As you just read, this type of horse racing is beneficial to novice horses and jockeys as it allows them to become more comfortable with racing before facing actual hurdles. In fact, the name is a reference to the fact that inexperienced jockeys and horses tend to bump up and down a lot when riding as opposed to their more seasoned peers. The races themselves are longer than summer season flat races and usually take place at the end of the race card. 

Harness Racing

Harness racing, also known as a trotting horse race, is a unique type of horse race, especially compared to the other events. What sets harness racing apart from traditional racing is the set up; instead of powerful thoroughbreds with a jockey on a saddle, the horses are built for endurance and durability, while the rider sits in a two-wheeled vehicle behind the horse, known as a sulky. It’s basically the 21st century equivalent of chariot racing! On top of this, the horses must race in a particular way, hence the alternative name of a trotting horse race.

While harness racing may not have the allure of the traditional flat horse racing, it’s still an incredibly exciting event, and just as exciting to bet on. Plus, with the runners reaching speeds of up to 30 mph around the track, it certainly isn’t lacking in excitement.

Bet on the different types of horse racing

Now you’re much better informed on all there is to know about the different types of horse racing. With this knowledge, you can make decisions about which events you might want to watch and, more importantly, which events you’d like to bet on. Just be sure to check out Betsafe’s horse racing lobby for all the latest odds on every event.