The English Classic Races | UK Flat Horse Racing Guide | HorseRacing.co.uk Want your site listed here? Contact Us . Classic Races British flat racing - meaning the races are run on 'the flat', without jumps - are the most traditional form of horse racing. The Classics, or Classic Races, are a series of five flat races, held annually and restricted to horses which are three years of age. The five races, which are subdivided into two separate competitions, the Triple Crown and the Fillies' Triple crown, are held at three different race courses; Newmarket , Epsom Downs and Doncaster . The Classic Races are so popular that bookmakers all across the UK offer year-round antepost betting on the events; allowing punting professionals to benefit from excellent early odds. The five Classic Races in the United Kingdom are: 2,000 Guineas Stakes This race is held at the famous Newmarket Racecourse , on the Rowley Mile, in late April or early May, and is run over a distance of one mile. The 2,000 Guineas Stakes was first held on 18th April 1809.

It is open to fillies and colts, female and male three-year-olds, and is the first race of the Classics season. The 2,000 Guineas Stakes is also part of the Triple Crown, a separate cup comprised of the three classic races which allow horses of either sex to enter. 1,000 Guineas Stakes The second race of the Classics also takes place at Newmarket 's Rowley Mile at the same time as the 2,000 Guineas Stakes (late April or early March). The 1,000 Guineas Stakes was first introduced on 28th April 1814, five years after the 2,000 Guineas Stakes was established. It is open to fillies only, female horses of three years, which makes it part of the Fillies' Triple Crown, the fillies-only version of the Triple Crown mentioned above. As the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, it is run over the course of one mile.

Epsom Oaks The race, conducted at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey, is the third of the Classics races, as well as the second event in the Fillies' Triple Crown. Like the 1,000 Guineas Stakes it is a contest for female three-year-olds only. The Epsom Oaks race was established in 1779, one year before the Derby Stakes premiered. It takes its name from 'The Oaks' a home rented by the 12th Earl of Derby in the Epsom area. The race takes place over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and ten yards. Epsom Derby Also known as simply The Derby to locals and as the Epsom Derby to the international audience, is the fourth race of the Classics series. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and ten yards - as the Epsom Oaks -; a meeting taking place annually in early June. As it is open to colts and fillies, it is also the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The very first Epsom Derby was held on 4th May 1780, with Diomed, a colt from the stables of Lord Bunbury taking first place. St. Leger Stakes The last race of the Classics, the Triple Crown and- strangely - the Fillies' Triple Crown is hosted at Doncaster , and run over a distance of one mile, six furlongs and 132 yards every September. The St Leger Stakes is the longest of the Classic races and was introduced in 1777, named in honour of local army officer and politician Anthony St. Leger. World’s oldest classic horse race is an odds on favourite - The Star World’s oldest classic horse race is an odds on favourite Doncaster Racecourse during the St Leger meeting in c 1904 11:00 Saturday 13 September 2014 Have your say Today, Doncaster’s St Leger Racing Festival, which started earlier in the week, will be brought to a head with the St Leger Race itself. For Doncaster, it is the most prestigious and exciting day, the St Leger being the world’s oldest classic horse race.

Queen and Racecourse Chairman Gillies''Doncaster racecourse Besides the St Leger there are four other British ‘classics’ – the 2000 and 1000 Guineas start the season off at Newmarket, before the Derby and Oaks at Epsom in June. Yet a well-known racing saying states: ‘The fastest horse wins the Guineas; the luckiest the Derby – and the best horse wins the St Leger.’ According to S Fletcher in his 1902 book, The History of the St Leger Stakes 1776-1901, horse racing was in favour at Doncaster in the 16th century. There was a racecourse on the Town Moor at the very beginning of the 17th century.

It is referered to in an order made by the Doncaster Corporation, dated May, 2, 1600, which states “That whereas Hugh Wyrrall, gentleman, hath caused a stoope to be sett on Doncaster More at the west end of the horse-race, Mr Maior, Mr Huscroft, and Mr Levett maye likewise sett a workman to cutt down or dig upp the sayd stoope.” During the 18th century there were a good many alterations in the times and conditions of racing in Doncaster. John Orton, in his 1844 Turf Annals of York and Doncaster, first mentions race meetings at Doncaster in 1728, when plates of 20 and 40 guineas each were run for on July 22 and 23. 1890 At Doncaster Races a sweepstake after lunch''Doncaster racecourse The meeting of 1729 was held in August, the 1730 one took place in May, and it moved to June in 1731. For a time thereafter June was recognised as the ‘racing’ month.

By the middle of the century, however, September appears to have been definitely fixed upon for celebrating what has since become regarded as an annual event of great importance. There were five days’ racing at the meetings of 1757 and 1758 and four in the following year. After that the races were sometimes on three, sometimes on four days. In 1768, however, sport was particularly poor, as there was only a race and a match on the Monday, plus the race for the Doncaster Cup on the Wednesday. A sweepstake of 25 guineas was held over two miles (3 km) on Cantley Common, two miles east of the current Doncaster racecourse, on September 24, 1776. The rules stipulated that colts should carry eight stone (50.8 kg) in weight, and fillies seven stone 12 pounds (49.9 kg). The event was organised by Charles Watson-Wentworth, Second Marquess of Rockingham, who was a prominent politician and former Prime Minister, and was the idea of Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger, a former MP.

On the day, the winning horse from a field of five was owned by Rockingham, with a horse owned by St Leger following in second. The event didn’t receive its name until a meeting held between the 1777 and 1778 meets. When it was suggested that the race should be called the Rockingham Stakes, the Marquess is said to have replied: “No it was my friend St Leger who suggested the thing to me – call it after him.” In 1779, the race moved from Cantley to a new course on the Town Moor, where it has remained. An interesting description of the Doncaster course is provided in Benjamin Silliman’s Journal of Travels of 1805 to 1806): “Near Doncaster I observed the extensive race grounds for one of the favourite amusements of the English. In this instance, an elliptical space, two miles in circumference, was enclosed by a fence; the horses run around this space on a fine green sward, and are kept from flying off, by an exterior railing.

“Contiguous to the ground there is also a large building which serves as a kind of office or stand for the gamblers of the turf, who are very numerous in Yorkshire. But racing is fashionable all over England, and is even encouraged by parliamentary and royal countenance, for the alleged purpose of improving the breed of horses.” During the 19th century Doncaster was literally besieged and occupied for days before and after the September meeting and there was such variety and colour in the High Street and the Market Place, to say nothing of the many strange sights to be seen on the way to the Town Moor and on the course itself. Folk of all classes came from far and near, driving in their chariots and their po’chay carriages, mounted on stage coaches or tramping on foot to take up residence in the town until the last winner of the meeting had caught the judge’s eye, and often for some days later. Inns and houses were filled to overflowing and all manner of sports and pastimes helped to amuse the anxious searchers after pleasure and excitement. There were plays at the theatre and assemblies and concerts in other public places.

There were cock pits everywhere and those who admired the noble art could see as much boxing as they pleased. Jockey John Singleton rode Alabaculia, the first winner of the St Leger but from 1838 to 1841 William Scott, born at Chippenham in 1793, had a monopoly of the race, riding nine winners – Jack Spigot in 1821, Memnon (1825), The Colonel (1828), Rowton (1829), Don John in 1838, Charles XII (1839, Launcelot in 1840 and 1841 and Sir Tatton Sykes in 1846. Lester Piggott, considered to be the greatest flat jockey of all time, with 4,493 career wins, had eight St Leger victories.

His winners were St Paddy in 1960, Aurelius the following year, Ribocco in 1967, Ribero in 1968, Nijinsky in 1970, Athens Wood in 1971, then Boucher in 1972 and lastly Commanche Run in 1984. Quite a wide range of personalities have attended Doncaster races and include Ras Prince Monolulu, best known for his cry “I gotta horse!” authors Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, ex-Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and singer Bing Crosby. The course has also been well attended by Royalty. Besides the St Leger, Doncaster’s other notable flat races include the Champagne Stakes, Doncaster Cup, Flying Childers Stakes, Lincoln Handicap, May Hill Stakes, November Handicap, Park Hill Stakes, Park Stakes, Portland Handicap and Racing Post Trophy. More history was made at Doncaster in 1992 when it staged the first-ever Sunday meeting on a British racecourse. A crowd of 23,000 turned up, despite there being no betting.

For all those having a flutter on the St Leger today, Retro wishes you luck. English Classics Races Guide - Classics Betting Classics Betting Links English Classics Races Guide The English Classics are five of the oldest and most prestigious thoroughbred race run in the United Kingdom. For centuries these races have been regarded as the highlights of the English flat racing season, with a win in any one of the Classics regarded as amongst the most impressive achievements in thoroughbred racing. St Leger The St Leger at Doncaster’s Town Moor in September is the last chance of classic glory for many entries these days. No horse since the great Nijinsky has completed the “Triple Crown” of Guineas, Derby and Leger, and the marathon 1m 6f 132yards and glamorous alternatives such as the Arc and Breeders’ Cup lead Derby and Guineas winners’ connections to set their sights elsewhere. The final leg of both the colts’ and fillies’ Triple Crowns English Classics Betting The Classics are major betting events, with millions of pounds bet on each of the races annually.

The five Classics are also amongst a handful of races which offer year-round antepost betting markets, allowing smart punters to benefit from excellent early odds on the United Kingdom and Ireland’s finest thoroughbred talent. Free Bets Doncaster Racecourse | UK Horse Racing | HorseRacing.co.uk Address: Leger Way, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN2 6BB Phone: 01302 304 200 History of Doncaster Racecourse As mentioned, the Doncaster Racecourse is one of the oldest courses in Britain; however, its establishment almost did not happen. There was an attempt to close Doncaster down in 1600 because of the number of questionable characters it attracted. Those efforts were futile and the corporation went ahead with the development of the racecourse. The first important race in Doncaster history was the Doncaster Gold Cup first ran over Cantley Common in 1766. It is the oldest continuously run horse race in the world. Ten years after the Doncaster Gold Cup was first run, the course was moved to its present location and the historic St Leger Stakes were founded – another of the world’s oldest classic horse races.

In 2007, Doncaster Racecourse underwent a £34 million development to update the course and all of its facilities. It is the only course that starts and ends the flat racing season on turf, and every year it hosts the prestigious four-day Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, which is considered by many to be the sporting occasion of the Autumn season. Notable Races at Doncaster Racecourse There are plenty of notable races held at Doncaster every year. It is home to two of the world’s oldest horse races – the Doncaster Cup and St Leger Stakes , as part of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival . Other notable races include: Flat Races How to Get to Doncaster Racecourse By Road Doncaster has a convenient central location with links to the motorway network including M1 (junction 32), M18 (junctions 3/4), A1M (junction 36), and the M62. By Rail Doncaster Racecourse can be reached on the main London-Edinburgh line. Journey times from London are just an hour and 45 minutes and three hours from Edinburgh. The Racecourse is approximately two minutes from the train station.

Facilities at Doncaster Racecourse Dinning – Doncaster Racecourse offers a few different options when it comes to dinning. The Country Restaurant is a perfect option for guests who are into a more relaxed environment. It features a team of skilled chefs that produce the finest ‘dressed buffet’. Guests can also opt for the Lincoln Restaurant in the Premiere Suite, which features a top wine list and a three course a la carte menu. Or reserve your place at Silks Champagne & Seafood Restaurant. This charming eatery is surrounded with some of the great Doncaster memorabilia and offers a menu featuring the finest seafood and champagne. Finally, Doncaster offers the option of corporate hospitality packages within one of their Private Boxes. Conferences & Events – Doncaster is able for a variety of different conferences, exhibitions, and events such as weddings, receptions, and banquets. With excellent signage, parking, easy access, beautiful views, quality catering, and the most up-to-date facilities it makes the ideal setting for any of these occasions. Disabled Access – Doncaster offers several disabled access points around the course as well as lifts to each level and hoist access to the Betting Ring and Parade Ring.

Top Races - UK Horse Racing Tipster | UK Horse Racing Tipster Top Races Home » Top Races - UK Horse Racing Tipster Top Races Top Worldwide Horse Races This is a list of some of the best horse races in the world from the UK and Ireland to France, Japan, Hong Kong all the way to Dubai, the USA and Australia. I also break down the different grades of racing we have here in the UK and Ireland for both flat and National Hunt races. The list is split into two groups, flat racing which is usually short races from 5f to 2m without jumps and with starting stalls, and National Hunt races which don’t have starting stalls and can range from a usual 2 miles over small fences up to long 4 mile 4f races over big bushy fences like the Grand National. This marathon, and most famous of races includes well-known jumps such as the Brook and the Chair, and in recent years the number of horses finishing the course has been less than half the starting 40. This is usually due to horses unseating riders or refusing to jump and in recent years at least a couple of deaths.

These have been horrible scenes which has meant multiple blue Vets tents out on the 2nd lap and runners skipping certain jumps on their second lap of the course. This has caused quite a stir in the racing world and has caused Aintree to change some of the jumps to make them safer in future. However it is not a course I would let any of my horses run over without previous experience. Flat Racing Flat races are run throughout the spring and summer and ending in early Autumn. The official British Turf season starts with the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster which is usually around the 20th March and ends with the Doncaster November Handicap meeting which is usually around the 10th November. Traditionalists say that the British Flat season should really start and finish with the Newmarket meetings i.e the April Craven meeting and October British Champions Meeting. However with the multiple all-weather courses we now have in this country the flat season carries on with lower class races throughout the winter months, usually at night in empty and cold courses like Kempton Park. The English Flat Classics: These are the premier flat races of the season and are open to 3 year old Colts and Fillies and held over a variety of distances and courses.

The 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas – Newmarket – May: 2,000 Guineas Stakes – the first classic of the season and run on the first weekend in May. It is open to 3 year old Colts and Fillies and run over 1 mile. It is also the first leg of the Triple Crown for colts. 1,000 Guineas Stakes – held the day after the 2000 Guineas and the youngest of all the classics going back to only 1814. It is only open to 3 year old Fillies but is also run over 1 mile and is also the first leg of the Triple Crown for fillies. The Oaks – Epsom - June: The Oaks – held the day before the Derby on the first weekend in June is open to 3 year old Fillies and run over 1 mile 4 furlongs. The winner takes home £226,840 out of a total prize money of £400,000.

The Oaks is the 2nd leg of the fillies Triple Crown, following on from the 1,000 Guineas and ending in the St. Leger. The Derby – still the greatest flat race in the world and dates back to 1780. Open to 3 year old Colts and Fillies and run over 1 mile 4 furlongs. The race is full of history and despite the prize money being over taken by other international events like the Breeders Cup the race is still considered one of the greatest Group 1 races in the world. In 2012 the total prize money was £1,325,000 with the winner claiming £751,407.50. The Derby is the 2nd leg in the 3 year old colts Triple Crown which is made up of the 2,000 Guineas, The Derby and then ends in the St. Leger. If you are interested in visiting the Derby then read this article . The following page lists all the recent Derby winners since 1970. The St. Leger – Doncaster – September: The St.

Leger – this is the oldest classic race dating back to 1776 and is open to 3 year old Colts and Fillies and run over the longest classic distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs. It is the last leg of the famous Triple Crown which hasn’t been won since Nijinksky in 1970 and was last attempted by Camelot in 2012. The Triple Crown – A combination of 3 races – The 1,000 / 2,000 Guineas, The Oaks / The Derby and the St. Leger This used to be called “the true test of thoroughbred horse” and includes the 3 English classics that are open to 3 year old Colts: The 2,000 Guineas, The Derby and The St. Leger. The St. Leger is also open to 3 year old fillies and ends their own Triple Crown which is made up of The 1,000 Guineas, The Oaks and finally The St. Leger.

Camelot failed in his attempt at it in 2012 and we may have to wait another 30 years before we see another horse willing to attempt this thoroughbred test as the last winner was Nijinsky in 1970 and before that Bahram in 1935. The Triple Crown is not an easy feat to accomplish and in recent years winners of both the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby have tended to skip the St. Leger and concentrate on the biggest prize race in Europe instead, The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp instead. Famous International Big Prize Group 1 Races The UK is not the only country to hold premier horse racing events. Countries like Australia, Dubai, The United States and Japan have all surpassed us on the amount of prize money they give out for their top races even if they cannot compete on the historical prestige of winning a famous historical English classic. Here is a list of the richest 4 horse racing events in the world at the current time (2013).

The Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe Held on the first Sunday of October, it is one of the last great Group 1 races in Europe and the winner rightly gets to claim the crown “Champion of Europe”. Only open to thoroughbreds over 3 years old (apart from Geldings). The race is run over 1m 4f and is competed by the top flat horses around the world for a prize of just under £2 million. You can view a list of previous Arc winners here. The Dubai World Cup The Dubai World Cup has only been ran since 1996 and is only open to thoroughbreds. Oddly it is only open to Northern Hemisphere thoroughbreds who are 4 years and older but for Southern Hemisphere thoroughbreds 3 year olds can run. It is run at the Meydan Racecourse over 1m 2f and is the final race of the Dubai World Cup night. The winner claims a massive $10 million (roughly £6,250,000) and it is the worlds richest race on earth at the present time.

It is also run over an all-weather surface which can make it hard for horses not used to the particular substance they use, Tapeta, a synthetic dirt. The race is held on the last Saturday in March making it one of the great opening spectacles of the flat season as horses from Japan, America and Australia all compete for the world richest race. The Melbourne Cup The Melbourne Cup is nicknamed “The race that stops a nation”, and is Australia’s top thoroughbred horse race. Run over 2 miles at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, the race is the richest two mile handicap in the world with a purse of A$6,175,000 (roughly £3,639,495). It is held on the first Tuesday in November making it one of the last great flat races for northern spectators. The Japan Cup The Japan Cup is the one of the most highly ranked races in Japan. Raced on the last Sunday of November at Tokyo Racecourse over 1m 2f, the race is run under weight for age conditions, with a maximum of 18 horses all racing on turf.

With a purse of ¥476 million (roughly £3,023,470), The Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world and brings runners from all corners of the globe. As it is run late November it counts as one of the final great flat races of the year. The Hong Kong Cup The Hong Kong Cup is another rich end of year flat race held at the Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong in mid December. It’s a right-handed turf based course and run over 1m 2f, or 2,000 metres for a prize of $22,000,000 Hong Kong dollars (or around £1,773,182) making it one of the richest races over this distance in the world. When it was first run in 1988 the races distance was only 1800 metres and the race was restricted purely to horses trained in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. The next season horses from the Southern Continent (Australia and New Zealand) were allowed in before those from Europe in 1990 and USA the following year. Japan and Canada were allowed to enter horses in 1992.

Just before the millennium in 1999 the length of the race was increased by 200 metres making it a middle distance 1m 4f race and it also gained Group 1 status making Hong Kong a common location for big races and jockeys to race. UK trainers also have started to target their horses to this end of year flat race instead of other options such as the Breeders Cup or the Arc. However this race along with the Japan Cup have showed how much horse racing has grown in strength out in the far east. The Breeders Cup The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is an annual series of thoroughbred horse races run at different locations across America, and once in Canada, in early November. The racing event was created as a year-end championship for North American thoroughbred racing but it also attracts quality horses from all over the world, especially Europe who have had a number of winners recently.

Since 2007 the cup has become a 2 day event with a number of race over various distances and surfaces which attract world class horses from all over the world to compete in the competition for prize purses ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000 (roughly £3,132,000). The Breeders Cup was considered the richest sporting event in the world until a couple of races were moved from day 2 to day 1 which dropped the total prize money for that day to $17 million. This then made The Dubai World Cup the richest horse racing event in the world. The races, and prize money per race for 2012 included: Day 1 – Friday $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) Non Classic Flat Races After the triple crown of classics for 3 year old fillies and colts we have a number of grades of flat races which are open to horses from the age of 2 and above.

Whilst it is common for English Colts to retire early at 3 or 4 (unless they are gelded), abroad horses can run much longer and in the USA it is not uncommon to see horses of 6 years old or above competing in high class races. A Group 1 Race: These are “top of the tree races” and the Group 1 races include all the classics plus a number of other famous races usually mentioning an ex royal family member or palace and also ending in the word “Stakes“. We have races open to just 2 or 3 year olds and others which allow colts, fillies, horses and mares to run from 3 years up. Quality races such as The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, The Queen Anne Stakes, The St James’s Palace Stakes or The Diamond Jubilee Stakes. For the 2 year olds we have The Dewherst Stakes and The Racing Post Trophy and these have become key races for identifying future 3 year old classic contenders. A Group 2 – 3 Race: Group 2 and Group 3 races are still quality races and bring top horses to the track to compete.

Horses in these groups are usually trying to work their way back up to a Group 1 or have just had a poor Group 1 race performance. Races include The Dante Stakes, The Lancashire Oaks and The Goodwood Cup (Group 2), and The Craven Stakes, The Chester Vase and Bahrain Trophy (Group 3) Listed Races. These are still very good races and only one step below group races. Selling Races: The winner of these races is put up for sale at the end of the race. Claiming Races: Similar to Selling Races but the winner has a price tag attached. Usually the horses weights will depend on the amount of money required to buy the horse. Nursery Handicaps: This a handicap race for 2-year-old horses only. A Handicap: Horses are given different weights to try to even out the field and give each horse the same chance of winning. Condition & Stake Races: These are races where the horses may carry different weights depending on the age, sex and how many races the horse has won previously. This is not the same as a handicap and some races are restricted to just mares, fillies or colts etc.

A Maiden Race: For horses that have not won a flat race. National Hunt Racing The “jump season” or National Hunt season is supposed to run from Autumn to the following Spring however at this present time in the UK and Ireland there is usually a long overlap where racing fans can watch both flat and jump racing. One of the biggest highlights of the National Hunt calendar is the Cheltenham Festival which is held over four days in the second week of March. The festival features eleven Grade one races, culminating in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the best and most prestigious Chase race in the world, on the Friday. The Irish equivalent of the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the Punchestown Festival which is held the final week of April and the Festival and held over five days, between Tuesday and Saturday. The format of the Irish festival is very similar to Cheltenham culminating in The Punchestown Gold Gup. Other races of note include the Champion Chase, The Rynair Novice Chase, The Champion Hurdle and The Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle. The Jump season also has one of the most famous races in the world, the English Grand National.

This meeting is held at Aintree over three days every April. Many of the best horses come to these festivals and hundreds of millions of pounds are gambled on betting exchanges and in shops all over the country. Even people who don’t usually gamble like to have a little punt on the Grand National which is only a Grade 3 race! The main thing to note before we break down the different categories of races are the types of obstacles the horses have to jump over. A Chase (or Steeplechase) is usually ran over distances of 2 to 4½ miles and the runners jump over a variety of obstacles with a minimum height of 41/2 feet high. The jumps include: Plain fence: which are a minimum of 4’6″ in height on the take off side. Water Jump: where horses clear a fence of at least 3 feet in height and land in water 3″ deep. Open Ditch: Are a minimum of 4’6″ in height on the take off side with a ditch on the take off side. Hurdling which is usually run over distances of 2 to 31/2 miles and over wooden fences which are at least 31/2 feet high.

National Hunt Flat Races (Bumpers) run over 1½ – 2½ miles which allow novice horses to race on flat ground in order to become accustomed to racing before facing the challenge of jumping. They are for horses who have not yet competed either in flat racing or over obstacles. Graded Races (1-3): Like Groups races on the flat, graded races are split into 3 grades with the top horses running in Grade 1 chases which are again split into handicap or non handicap races, the former being seen as more superior. Grade 1 runners are usually aimed at either the 3 mile Cheltenham Gold Cup or the 2 mile Queen Mother Champion Chase which is also held at the Cheltenham Festival. However these two races are not the only great spectacles at the 4 day festival and we can see great horse run in races such as the The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, The Arkle Challenge Trophy, The Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle, The RSA Chase, The Ryanair Chase and The World Hurdle.

Other top Grade 1 races in the National Hunt calendar include the relativley new but respected Betfair Chase in November at Haydock, the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in early December and the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park in December on Boxing Day. These are all seen as signs of progression towards the big festival races at the end of the season. Whilst the most famous race, and the one offering the most prize money is the Grand National at Aintree. It only holds grade 3 handicap status along with the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Grand National. Therefore not all the biggest races are Grade one! The biggest Grade 2 races include the Desert Orchid Chase on Boxing Day, the Denman Chase in February and the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April. The biggest Grade 3 races include the the Paddy Power Gold Cup, the Hennesy Gold Cup and one of the final big races of the year the Bet365 Gold Cup. A Novice Hurdle: These are for horses that start the season having not won a hurdle race before. The winner of a novice hurdle will carry a weight penalty the next time it runs in another novice hurdle.

A Maiden Hurdle: These only allow horses that have not already won a hurdle race. This and Novice Hurdles can involve horses that have won flat races, steeplechase, a National Hunt flat race or a point to point. Handicap Hurdle: Horses are given different weights to try to even out the field and give each horse the same chance of winning. Graded Hurdle: Some hurdle races carry certain conditions that affects the weight that each horse carries. For example a female horse or a younger horse will carry less weight than a male or an older horse. Point to Point: A type of amateur racing over fences. In Ireland many of the horses will appear in these races before they compete in National Hunt races either in Ireland or in the UK. In contrast in England and Wales horses running in point to points are more likely to be at the end of their national hunt careers. Bumpers or National Hunt Flat Races: National Hunt Flat races are also known as Bumper races and are flat races run under National Hunt racing rules in Britain and Ireland. The main idea is for jump horses to gain racing experience on flat conditions of equal length, before beginning a career hurdling or chasing.

They are usually put at the end of race meetings and nowadays they are really only held in Ireland. Share this: Horse Racing - Sport | Welcome to Yorkshire Share this page Horse Racing No other region in the UK is as passionate about horse racing as Yorkshire. The county is synonymous with the sport of kings, with no fewer than nine top class courses - more than any other region in the UK - holding over 170 meetings each year and home to numerous winning stables including Middleham, Malton and Richmond. Whatever style of racing you prefer, you'll be spoilt for choice in Yorkshire, with six flat racing courses at York, Beverley, Pontefract, Redcar, Ripon and Thirsk, a specialist National Hunt course at Wetherby, and dual courses offering monthly racing either on the flat or over jumps at Catterick in the north and Doncaster in the south. Famous racing festivals staged in Yorkshire include the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor meeting and the St Leger at Doncaster - the oldest classic horse race in the world. Visitors wanting to purchase tickets should contact the relevant racecourse directly.

Whether you are looking for a day out to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends, or want to entertain, reward people or if you want to enjoy a day at the races in comfort and style let Dine & View in Yorkshire arrange your perfect day at the races. Go Racing in 2016 Horse racing makes a great day out for family and friends Boasting more top racecourses than any other region of the UK, not to mention a string of successful stables and the Northern Racing College, Yorkshire is synonymous with the very best in British horseracing. There are nine Yorkshire racecourses - Beverley, Catterick, Doncaster, Pontefract, Redcar, Ripon, Thirsk, Wetherby and York. Our nine courses host 180 days of racing throughout the year, from the pure adrenaline of championship races to the relaxed informality of our family days. Beverley Racing at Beverley has taken place since 1690 on the beautiful rolling expanse of common land known locally as the Westwood, just a short walk from the market town of Beverley.

Beverley Racecourse combines a stunning location, great grass-roots racing, friendly staff, smart facilities, delicious food and a warm Yorkshire welcome to cement its reputation as one of the most charming and friendly courses in the North of England. The season starts in April and lasts until late September, with a whole range of themed meetings to suit all racegoers, from family days featuring petting zoos and Frozen singalongs, through to glamorous evening meetings. Entry starts from just £5 with under 18s going free. Beverley is the only Racecourse in the East Riding of Yorkshire, just 10 miles from the east coast city of Hull, and a short 13 mile hop from the M62, so really easy to get to with ample free parking when you do get here. Find out more... Catterick Catterick's 27 race meetings per year put it second only to Doncaster in the quantity of races hosted, but there's plenty of quality too. One of just two courses in Yorkshire to offer both flat and National Hunt racing, Catterick Racecourse hosts meetings every month, and gets things underway as early as possible with the very first jumps gathering of the year on New Year's Day.

You will find Catterick Racecourse (since 1783) in the hamlet of Catterick Bridge close to the Catterick Garrison, the worlds' largest British Army barracks, and home to around 12000 soldiers. The venue, close to the A1, is also home to Catterick Sunday market, the largest in the north of England Calendar In course's Flat season begins in March, with 17 meetings running right through to November. In December it's back to the fences again. And it never stops! Catterick's flat season includes three evening meetings. Doncaster Doncaster is a truly historic racing destination, boasting not just one, but two, of the world's oldest races and a heritage of regular race meetings dating back to the 16th century. The Doncaster Cup is the world's oldest continuously run race. The horses were first 'off' in 1766. Just ten years later the legendary St Leger , named after Colonel Anthony St Leger, got underway, making it now the oldest of the five 'classics' (it's also the longest).

Doncaster racecourse is one of only two in Yorkshire to offer both flat racing and National Hunt jump racing. It hosts races in every month of the year and can lay claim to be Yorkshire's most prolific track. Calendar When racing gets underway at Doncaster's classic Town Moor course, on the outskirts of the town, the world takes notice. The Lincoln meeting in April marks the start of the UK flat racing season, which also ends with Doncaster's November Handicap. The St Leger Festival in September features the last of the season's classics, and the longest at 1 mile 6 furlongs. Doncaster is easy to get to, by car via the A1, by train via the East Coast main line, or even by air to Doncaster Robin Hood Airport just seven miles away. Pontefract Pontefract, home of the rich and iconic liquorice cakes, has offered top notch horse racing for over two centuries. How do we know? Well, in 1802 members' badges were sold for £50! Today you can enjoy the friendly flavour of this great Yorkshire racecourse for a lot less than that.

Pontefract racecourse prides itself on catering for the racegoer, and is not short on experience. Not only has racing taken place in the town since 1648, but the current course was one of just two northern venues to have staged racing during World War II - proving Pontefract's 'show must go on' passion for horse racing that continues to this day. Pontefract's flat race meetings generate great atmosphere in intimate surroundings, and are invariably graced with competitive racing too. The home straight of over 2 furlongs, with the last 4 furlongs of the course uphill, guarantees some grandstand finishes among strong horses. Calendar Pontefract's flat racing season runs from early April to mid October and takes place on the longest continuous horse racing circuit in Europe at 2 miles and 125yds. The 16 meetings planned for 2013 include three evening meetings (including Pontefract's Got Talent, Singles Night and a beer festival) and three Family Day Sunday meetings, not forgetting Ladies Day in August.

Situated just off junction 32 of the M62 (the other side of the motorway from the Xscape snow zone) just outside the market town itself, Pontefract races offer a welcoming experience that attracts lively crowds of racegoers from across the north. Redcar Redcar is Yorkshire's only coastal town race course, situated a few miles north of Middlesborough near the mouth of the River Tees! Before today's course opened up its turf in the 1870s, racing actually took place on the nearby Sands of Coatham. More recently, Redcar, a former fishing community, provided the setting for the beach scenes in the recent Oscar-winning film Atonement. Redcar's modern racecourse is set in 72 panoramic acres, and easily accessed by road, rail and air, or even on foot from the town centre. Ripon More commonly known as Yorkshires Garden Racecourse, Ripon has hosted some of the most exciting and prestigious racing for more than 300 years. Impressing with its outstanding back drop, the racecourse is suitably located in one of the country's most beautiful and quaint cities.

With the market town being one of the oldest cities in England it is a great place to visit. With 16 flat meetings from April to September including stating special events such as Ladies' Day, Family Day and in mid-August the ‘Great St Wilfrid Stakes', it certainly is one of Yorkshires hidden gems. Ripon has hosted some of the most exciting, prestigious and enjoyable racing in the country for more than 300 years. It never fails to impress year on year with its outstanding back drop and exciting atmosphere. Always challenging itself to improve and build on spectator experience, Ripon has a lot to offer. Ripon Racecourse is known widely for its picturesque surroundings, and was fittingly presented with the Gold Rose Award by Yorkshire in Bloom; the regional body representing the Britain in Bloom campaign. We are one of the few racecourses to boast a giant screen, which is ideally located opposite the main stand adding to the excitement of each race; providing clear footage of all the action. You'll find all the action is situated close to the A1, 11 miles north of Harrogate.

Thirsk Thirsk's fame as the real-life setting for the work of author and vet, James Herriot, provides a backdrop for a visit to one of Yorkshire's most beautiful racecourses - Thirsk Racecourse . The compact and scenic circuit of this local market town, nestled in the broad vale in the Hambleton area between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, makes for a perfect day out for visitors to the region looking for a laid back racecourse with an excess of charm. There's great history too. Racing in the area began on the nearby Hambleton Hills almost exactly 400 years ago under King James I. More recently (the 1700s!) one of Thirsk's biggest races, the Thomas Lord Stakes, was named after Thomas Lord a local resident who became the founder of Lord's Cricket Ground. The current compact and attractive course in Station Road opened in 1855. Wetherby Yorkshire's only exclusively National Hunt Jumps Racecourse, with easy access to Wetherby Town, and only 12 miles from Leeds, Wetherby Racecourse is one of the most convenient and enjoyable places to follow National Hunt racing in Britain.

Wetherby's season runs from October throught to May, with approximately 17 fixtures between. While every raceday at Wetherby provides an exciting day out, the course does offer some highlight meetings which simply must not be missed... The bet365 Charlie Hall Meeting, is a two-day meeting which takes place in early November. The meeting, which offers a total of £245,000 in prize money, is a significant highlight in the National Hunt Calendar, and offers a quality two-day race programme, including two listed races on the first day and the John Smith's Hurdle and bet365 Charlie Hall Steeplechase on the second day. The £1000,000 bet365 Charlie Hall Steeplechase is widely acknowledged as one of the most important and influential early-season trials for top-quality chasers as they set out on the long road to the Cheltenham and Grand National Festivals. Previous recent winners of the race include Nacarat, Deep Purple, State of Play, Our Vic and Weird Al.

Another fixture which is a definite diary date is the Christmas Meeting, which takes place on 26th (Boxing Day) and 27th December. This meeting brings people together and offers an exciting day out for family and friends over the festive season. Over 20,000 people now attend over the two-days which generates an atmosphere that you simply have to be part of to fully appreciate. Join the Ritual this Christmas at Wetherby and make the day part of your Yorkshire Christmas. During the season Wetherby also provide a host of additional themed days, which as well as the racing action, provide a slightly different range of additional attractions and entertainment to suit all. Irish Day is a great day out for the lads, Family Day combines racing with fun-fair rides and a circus, while Ladies' Evening is a chance for everyone to really dress to impress. Find out more about Wetherby Racecourse and their calendar of races... York York Racecourse has long been known as the Ascot of the north, and truly lived up to that name in 2005 by brilliantly hosting the Royal Ascot festival, as the iconic southern course underwent redevelopment.

Since then the already world-class Knavesmire flat racing course and facilities at York have gone from strength to strength and, set in one of Britain's flagship heritage destinations, provide a truly memorable place to spend a day (or more!) racing, whether you attend one of its prestige festivals or a simple family Sunday. You will find the Knavesmire to the south west of York's historic city centre, just off the A64 and an easy 20-minute or so walk (or even easier bus ride) from its elegant East Coast mainline railway station, once the largest in Europe. If you are looking for a place in history, you'll certainly find it here. The Knavesmire has been home to racing in York for 280 years, but this city has hosted horse races since Roman times....2000 years ago!

Question: Which is the oldest of the English classic horse races?
Answer: St. Leger