Flat racing

Flat racing is a form of horse racing which is run on a level racecourse. It is run over a predetermined distance from 2 furlongs (402 m) up to 3 miles (4,828 m) and is either test of speed, stamina or both, whilst the skills of the jockey is determined by his ability to restrain the horse or impel it. Flat racing does not require horses to jump over any obstacles such as is required for hurdling or Steeplechase. It differs from harness racing where horses are pulling a sulky and wear a harness. While in many countries flat racing is the most common form of horse racing, in Britain and Ireland it is used to describe the racing season that comes after the Jumps racing which is traditionally held over the winter period.

Many different horse breeds are used in flat racing worldwide, but the Thoroughbred is the most dominant. The races take place on track surfaces suitable for horses. Worldwide, the most common is a natural grass surface, called "turf". In North America, the most common surface is a harrowed "dirt" surface, often based primarily on a mixture of sand and local soil. Most winter flat races in Britain and other parts of the world are run on a synthetic or all-weather surface, generally a blend of sand with synthetic fiber and/or rubber, often coated with wax or a similar substance.

Flat races in Great Britain are run over a variety of distances from five furlongs (1,006 metres (3,301 ft)) to over 2 miles (3,200 m) and are generally called sprints, middle distance, or stayers races.

In Great Britain (and the majority of Europe), flat racing is split into two distinctive bands, conditions races and handicaps.

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