Flat racing is a term commonly used to denote a form of Thoroughbred horse racing which is run over a level track at a predetermined distance. It differs from steeplechase racing over hurdles. The race is a test of speed, stamina and the skill of the jockey in determining by when he/she choses to hold the horse back or to make the horse work harder.

The flat races in Great Britain are run over a variety of distances from five furlongs (1,006 m) to over two miles (3,219 m) and are generally called sprints, middle distance or stayers races.

Racing takes place on a natural grass surface (turf) or on a synthetic surface (all-weather).

Group 1, 2 & 3
The highest class races.

Listed
Just below Group class – the lowest grade which qualified for ‘black type’ in auction sales catalogues.

Conditions Stakes
For horses below Listed class – weight is determined by age and/or gender, not handicap rating.

Rated Stakes
Valuable handicap, with a limited weight range of 10-14lbs, for horses at or just below Listed class.

Classified Stakes
Race with a maximum handicap rating, for horses who have run at least 3 times, or have run twice and won at least once.

Handicap
A race where the weight carried is determined by the official handicap rating (OR), often combined with allowances for age and gender.

Nursery
Handicap races for 2 year olds.

Maiden
For horses who have never won.

Novice
For 2 or 3 year olds who have not won more than twice.

Novice Auction
For novices sold at public auction at yearlings or 2 year olds, for a price not exceeding a specified figure.

Maiden Handicap
For maidens aged 3 or more who have run at least 4 times and have a maximum rating of 70.

Auction Maiden
For yearlings sold at public auction or 2 year olds, for a price not exceeding a specified figure.

Median Auction Maiden
For 2 year olds by stallions whose progeny sold in the previous year with for a median average price not exceeding a specified figure.

Claiming Stakes
The weight carried related to a price determined by connections, the lower the price the lower the weight – horse can be ‘claimed’ at the specified price.

Rating Related Maiden
Maiden race for horses who have run at least 3 times and have a rating within a specified band.

Seller
Low-class race where the winner is offered for public auction after the race.

Apprentice
Race For apprentice professional jockeys.

Amateur Rider
For amateur jockeys only.

Ladies
For lady amateurs and apprentices only.

Gentleman
For male amateurs only.