Flat Racing

How is a race started? How far is each race? How many furlongs in a mile? Get to know Flat Racing with our easy to follow guide.

Flat racing is run on level ground without racehorses going over obstacles as opposed to Jump racing.

This form of horse racing is a test of speed and stamina for the horse as well as the skill of the jockey to able to position themself in the right place at the right time, and whether to hold back their horse or ask for more effort.

Most Flat races and most of the biggest Flat races in the UK are run on grass but some are run on all-weather or synthetic surfaces. The majority of all-weather races are run in the winter.

The top 35 biggest Flat races in the UK form the QIPCO British Champions Series.

The biggest Flat racing festivals in the British racing calendar happen between May and October.