This article focuses on the different types of Horse racing which is an ancient sport, and is still popular today due to the fact that people like to bet on it. It is rumoured that horse racing was an event in the Greek Olympics in the 7th century BC. However, the sport has certainly progressed since then – there are different events and styles. Here are some of the most popular types of Horse races:
- Thoroughbred Horse Racing
- Flat Racing
- Jump Racing
- Point to Point Racing
- Harness Racing
- Other Race Types
- Race Classes and Conditions
Thoroughbred Types of Horse Racing
This is the most famous type of horse racing. There are different authorities which regulate the sport, for example, the British Horse Racing Authority. The name comes from the Thoroughbred breed of horses which were developed in England. Back then, particular horses were imported so that they can breed racehorses.
Classic Thoroughbred Races
Only rich people had Thoroughbred horses, but now they are trained and breed in many places worldwide. If you want to buy such a horse, you can do so at a public auction or a private deal. The animals are given to professional trainers who take care of them in exchange for money. A traditional strategy is to combine money with other people and buy Thoroughbred horses. If your horse wins a big race, you can earn a lot of money, but buying a horse is a hobby mainly for rich people.
Even though you can find Thoroughbred races almost anywhere, the countries where it is most popular are the UK, the US, and Australia. The races are quick, so the horses need to be fast and to have enough stamina. There are two types of Thoroughbred racing – flat and jump racing. Keep reading to find out more about the types of horse races.
Flat Racing
This is the most modern variation of Thoroughbred racing, and it is popular in the countries mentioned above, plus France, Dubai, Japan, and others. You probably guessed from the name that the races are held on a flat track covered by dirt, turf, or a synthetic surface. Some of the biggest races like the Kentucky Derby, the Epsom Derby, the Melbourne Cup, and the Dubai World Cup are held here.
Jump Racing
Here, the horses need to jump over different hurdles, fences, or ditches, so this racing type is riskier. It is popular in countries like the UK, Ireland, and France. Another name for jump racing is National Hunt Racing, and there are two categories – hurdles and steeplechases.
In the US, it is also known as steeplechasing, and the obstacles are hurdles and timber. Jump races are almost extinct in Australia due to how dangerous they are.
Point to Point Racing
This is one of the types of horse racing that is similar to National Hunt racing, and it is more of an amateur version for horses who have participated in the National Hunt but are too old now.
Harness Racing
In Harness racing, the horses pull a cart which has two wheels. It is not as popular as Thoroughbred racing, but this racing type also has its loyal fans. In Europe, you will find a lot of trot races, while the faster ones are held in the US or Australia.
Other Race Types
There are some less popular race types like Arabian horse racing where the animals need to have a lot of stamina. The Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities regulates this race variation. Endurance racing usually is held over 100miles, although you can find shorter distances. Quarter Horse racing is held over short distances, and the horses need to be very quick.
Race Classes
Thoroughbred races can be separated into different classes. In the US, Grade I covers the most important races, while in Australia they are called Group 1. There are other categories, for example, horses that have never finished first.