The objective
Simple: the first horse past the finish line wins. Flat races are run without obstacles; jump races (hurdles and steeplechases) add fences.
How a race works
Horses are entered in races matched by age, sex, ability or past results. In handicaps, better horses carry more weight. Most major flat racing is for Thoroughbreds, while Quarter Horses race at short sprint distances.
Words to know
Furlong: one-eighth of a mile. Post position: the starting gate stall. Odds: what a winning bet pays. Stakes race: a higher-level race, with the most important called Graded or Group races.
Following the action
Watch the jockey’s colors (silks) and saddlecloth number. A race card or program lists each runner, its trainer and its recent form.
Sources
- The Jockey Club — The Jockey Club
By National Horse Co. Editorial Team · Checked against cited sources 2026-10-03. National Horse Co. is not affiliated with the organizations cited.