Flat racing, the most common horse racing popular all over the world
Flat racing is a very popular type of thoroughbred racing, held over a levelled track. with a defined distance.
This race type is totally different then the steeplechase race, which consists of hurdles and obstacles.
In this type the main thing which is focused throughout the race, is the speed and the stamina of the horse, which is controlled by the jockey.
Jockeys plays a very major role in horse’s performance. A jockey has to control the horse, so that he does not suffers from pressure.
Flat race covers different distance, basically the variety of distance comes between five furlongs, which makes 1006 meters to 2 miles, which makes 3219 meters.
Races with these specific distances are called stayers races, middle distances and sprints.
Flat races are held in summers, originating from Newmarket England, but now it’s not only being organized in Europe and United States, but in Middle East and Far East as well.
Flat race is held on turf, a ground with surface of grass. It is also held on synthetic surface, suitable for all weathers.
In England, flat racing is scheduled on turf, whereas in United States the race is usually held on dirt or a surface suitable for all types of weather.
In North America, steeplechase racing is not as popular compared to flat racing which is a very famous race type over there.
United Kingdom has split up flat races in two types, condition races and handicap races.
There are three pattern races in condition races.
The first pattern is Group 1, which consists of classic races. These races have international importance and fame.
Group 2 is the second pattern of condition races, an international race which has less importance.
The primarily domestic race comes in the Group 3 race, which is the third pattern race in conditions race.
Handicap race is the second type of flat race in United Kingdom, in which the horses are given different weights to carry in accordance to their stamina. This weight is allocated by the Jockey Club’s official handicapper.
Classic race which is a type of Group 1 race itself, consists of a series of races, scheduled over flats in United Kingdom.
These five classics are held once a year and they have few specific rules, which are kept in mind, like 1,000 Guineas Stakes among fillies and few races are restricted to clots and fillies, who are three years old.
One of the flat racing events that are being held in United Kingdom is the 1000 Guineas Stakes, first held in 1812.
The 2000 Guinea Stakes is scheduled in the start of May, open for three-year-old fillies and colts. This type of race consists of $2,000 purse for the winner, first run in 1890.
In 1779, Epsom Oaks was run for the very first time, held at the Epsom Downs racecourse for three-year-old fillies.
Epsom Derby, an international level event, is also held at Epsom Downs racecourse, for fillies and colts.
Doncaster racecourse schedules St Leger Stakes every year in September for colts and fillies, first ran in the year 1776.
The rules and regulations of flat race vary in different countries according to their weather and surface condition. Different races consist of different prize money.
Tags: