Handicaps v Group

Most people new to racing are puzzled about handicaps and all the different types of races that are available to their horses. Even today many owners who have been in the game a long time don't understand.

Handicaps

A handicap is a race where horses are allotted weight, based on their ability, to equalize their chances of winning. The weight of each horse is determined by the Official Handicapper , 6 of them for the flat and 3 for jumps.

The problem here is that you have to run 3 times to get a handicap rating. If you have an unraced horse or one that has never jumped a hurdle and you want a gamble, run the thing down the pan three times and the handicapper gives it a low rating. You then enter it into a handicap race and you have pulled off a gamble. Click Kenyon Confronts

Most maiden races (Races that are for 2yr and 3yr olds that have never won a race)  are used to get horses familiar to racing and the last thing you want to do is to beat up a horse on its first run. So an average maiden race you probably have only got two or three that are really trying in anger to win. This is a breach of rule 155 says that "every horse which runs in a race shall be run on its merits". A rule that Alan Jarvis had an issue with the jockey club. Click Here for details.

Group races (Pattern and Listed races)

The idea behind the Pattern was to ensure that there was a series of races over all distances and throughout the year were available to test the very best horses of all ages, without any handicap.

If you purchase a horse for £15,000 and win one of these races you will make serious money. When you buy a horse the so called Black Type is if a horse has won or has been placed in one of the following races.
 
Group1   The classics and other championship races with major international importance.
Group2   The races just below championship standard and having international importance
Group3   The balance of the Pattern races, primarily of domestic interest and including trial races
Listed   Horses that are not quite group level but a better than the average horse.

If you want to make a return in racing these are the races to go for. If you just have a good handicapper as a horse you might just break even on make a small profit. 90% of horses never make a penny and you need to be able to afford to lose a considerable amount of money if you want to be an owner..