Almost half of the races run in the UK are handicaps. A full breakdown of the UK handicap system and the various races is in the handicapping section. The many other types of races are explained below.
Group Races
These are the highest class of races. They are rated Group 1,2 and 3 with 1 being the highest class of race run in the UK. They are also known are pattern races. And all horses carry the same weight - 9 stone. Winners and placed horses of this type of race are said to have achieved "black type" because they and their immediate family are shown in black type in sales catalogues and are therefore seen as more valuable.
The five classic races of the season are all Group 1 races. The classics are,
Listed Races
These are races just below group class.
Conditions Stakes
These are races for horses just below top class and the weight carried depends on the conditions of the race. The conditions relate to age and/or sex and not ratings.
Classified Stakes
Races with a maximum rating for horses who have run at least three times or have run twice and won at least once.
Maiden
For horses that have never won a race.
Auction Maiden
For 2 year olds sold at public auction as yearlings or 2 year olds for a price not exceeding a specified amount.
Median Auction Maiden
For 2 year olds by stallions who had one or more yearlings sold in the previous year with a median price not exceeding a specified amount.
Novice
For 2 or 3 year olds who have not won more than twice.
Novice Auction
For novices sold at public auction as yearlings or 2 year olds for a price not exceeding a specified amount.
Claiming Stakes
The horse's weight is determined by the price placed on them by connections. The lower the claiming price the lower the weight carried. Horses can be bought (or claimed) by other owners and trainers for the specified price after the race.
Seller
Low class races where the winner is offered for public auction after the race.
Apprentice
For apprentice jockeys only. Jockeys are not allowed their apprentice claim is this type of race.
Amateurs
For amateur jockeys only.
Ladies
For female amateur and apprentice jockeys only.
Gentlemen
For male amateur jockeys only.
