Every horse racing enthusiast must know the different type of races, their requirements, and their implications on the horses that compete in them. Surprised that there are more than just one type of horse race? Then read on.
Every time horse racing becomes the topic of conversation, people usually think of only one thing, and that is the thoroughbred. But contrary to the misconception, there other types of horse racing such as harness racing and steeple chase. It just so happens that the thoroughbred is the most popular! In fact, the Kentucky Derby is known as the most exciting two minutes in the world of Sports.
The Famous Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is only part of a three-part grand slam horse racing: The Triple Crown. Imagine the excitement offered by the entire race. It’s triple the fun and adrenaline! The Kentucky Derby plus the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes complete the renowned Triple Crown prize. To this day, there are only 11 known horses to have achieved such a prestigious prize.
For the record, the highest level of competition for horse racing are the stake races. This type of race is reserved for the best horses, and even then, there is a required registration for each horse. The money collected is added to the prize money. When a Stake race is a Graded race, there is a certain appeal of class to it.
Other Types of Horse Races and their Criteria
Horses have to meet criteria before they can be allowed to race. A race may require additional weight requirements for better horses. This type of race is called a handicap race. The added weight is dependent upon past performances of the horses.
Other races sometimes require that horse must be a “non winner of three”. This is called an allowance race. Horses entered in this type of race is usually chosen to be prepped for better races. Most of the time these horses go on to compete in handicap and stake races.
Another type of race, and probably the most common, is the claiming race. A claiming race may also be “optional.” Before the race, owners are asked to specify an amount by which the thoroughbred may be claimed or purchased for.
You can rest assured that the racing field is leveled by this requirement. Obviously, owners will not list better horses in a claiming race. This type of race may be a good place to expose or train your weaker horses. Who knows? They might just need a little training to turn into a champion. Just make sure you are ready to part with your horse.
If you don’t want to part with your horses and you want to list them in a race to see just how they perform or to familiarize them with competitive races, a maiden race is the best avenue for this. This type of race is confined for horses with no record of wins. The winner of the race is said to have “broken his maidenhood.”
When to Watch Which Race
Race tracks usually hold eight or more races each day, combining all of the above-mentioned races. It doesn’t matter which type or race you watch and whether you win or not. In the end, you’ll still experience the fervent excitement that keeps horse racing enthusiasts coming back for seconds.