Cheltanham Festival. Explain horse racing to me please

[GabbleRatcht]

I'm confused. Why are there so many races?

 

Is there a ratings system for horses? Is it age, weight, height, distance? Why enter a particular horse for a particular race?

[happyhippy]

I'm confused. Why are there so many races?

 

Is there a ratings system for horses? Is it age, weight, height, distance? Why enter a particular horse for a particular race?

 

This could take a while ..........

 

All horses in training are rated by the 'official handicapper' after three runs, or a win (if it wins before it's third run). That is the only thing which is taken into consideration when rating the horse.

 

The first reason why there are as many races as there are, is the distance. Take a look in the paper at each race for Cheltenham today, and you'll see the distance after the title of the race. 2 miles 5 furlongs, 3m 1/2f, 2m, 2m5f, 3m 1/2f, 2m 1/2f.

 

Some are the same distance, but they have restrictions on the type of horse which can run, indeed, the second 3m 1/2f race is for amateur riders only. There are three races over fences (the bigger obstacles), two races over hurdles (somewhat smaller), and one for very inexperienced horses on the flat.

 

One race is restricted to horses who have won five races or fewer over hurdles, one is for horses who have done the same, but over fences.

 

One is a handicap, which means that the horse must carry a certain amount of weight round the course. The idea is that when looking at previous performances, each horse has an equal chance.

 

Some races are restricted by age, or sex too. And this is only looking at one meeting of the three which are taking place in England today!

 

It's impossible to explain clearly in a couple of sentences.

[Guderian]

Dont get into it!!

 

Sat here depressed, as had £10 Treble

 

Aran Concerto, Denman, Voy Pour Ustedes.

 

2 out of 3. No return.

3 out of 3 would have fetched £500 odd.

 

 

And the risky one romped home!

[beckelina]

The aim of the handicapping system (adding extra weight to a horse over and above that of the jockey) is to try and achieve the ideal scenario (for the handicapper) of all the horses finishing the race at exactly the same time.

Some horses are good at different things (sprinter vs. stayer, steeplechasing, hurdles) so to make races as even as possible they give as many different formats as possible.

And also to give a good spread of choices (and some risky ones) for the punters!

[happyhippy]

Dont get into it!!

 

Sat here depressed, as had £10 Treble

 

Aran Concerto, Denman, Voy Pour Ustedes.

 

2 out of 3. No return.

3 out of 3 would have fetched £500 odd.

 

 

And the risky one romped home!

 

I thumped Aran Concerto too ....... bugger.

[GabbleRatcht]

This could take a while ..........

 

 

One is a handicap, which means that the horse must carry a certain amount of weight round the course. The idea is that when looking at previous performances, each horse has an equal chance.

 

 

I'm not a racing afficianado, as can be seen from my question. But the racing on the radio and TV has actually got me hooked this time. Don't know why.

 

But handicapping? If a horse is so good that it can beat any other, why not let it? Shurely that is what sport is about. If you are the best, you win.

 

But if you are good, you get weight piled on your back to stop you! It's like strapping leg weights to an Olympic athlete.

 

Down to the betting business, no doubt.

 

Nieve question maybe.