The Clerk of the Course is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of a racecourse, including the condition of the racetrack itself.
It is one responsibility of the Clerk of the Course to provide updates on the condition of the ground in the run-up to an event.
A race division may take place if the number of horses declared for a race exceeds the safety number for that race type and course.
The two (or more) divisions race as if they are different races and meeting organisers will try to provide prizes and mementoes for each.
A horse’s form is its record of racing or results.
“Good” is one of a number of phrases used to describe how hard or soft the ground is at a course.
Good ground has some give to it and horses hooves will leave an imprint in the ground as they run over it but it is not tiring to run on and races will tend to be quicker than on “good to soft” or “soft” ground.
Courses will try to avoid producing ground which is “firm” because it is not ideal for horses to run on harder ground, so watering would normally take place to produce “good” ground.
Unlike Point-to-Points, licensed trainers as well as amateur trainers may have runners in Hunter Chases. This often causes controversy when big name trainers run former Grade 1 horses in Hunter Chases as amateur trainers feel they are unable to compete. New rules which took effect in 2009 will prevent horses which have finished in the first 3 of a Grade 1 or 2 chase in the previous season from taking part.
The two biggest Hunter Chases are the Aintree Fox Hunters’ Chase and Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase. The Aintree Fox Hunters’ is run as the feature race on the first day of the Grand National meeting over one circuit of the Grand National course. This gives amateur riders the chance to jump these famous fences before the professionals.
The Cheltenham Foxhunter is run after the Gold Cup over the same distance and is often referred to as the amateur Gold Cup.
By the end of the season they may have achieved many more than five but would still be a Novice until the end of the season.
The Point-To-Point Authority is the National body responsible for point-to-point racing in the United Kingdom.
There is more information on the PPA here.
All riders must have an RQC for the current year before they can ride in Point-to-Points.
The RQC is proof that riders are qualified to ride in Point-to-Points.
The PPA holds an insurance policy that provides liability insurance for jockeys whilst participating in Point to Points and completing their Rider Assessment. A separate Personal Accident insurance policy is also in force for jockeys from weigh out to weigh in. Further details can be obtained by calling our insurance brokers Howden Insurance Brokers on 020 7133 1387.
Each course and race type has a safety number which dictates how many horses may compete in a race before it becomes unsafe.
Maidens and Novice Rider races tend to have smaller safety numbers than other races.
If the number of horses declared for a race exceeds the safety number then a Race Division (or “split”) may take place.
A walkover is awarded if only one horses is declared for a race.
The sole competitor does not need to complete the race for safety reasons, but must make their way onto the course and cross the finish line.
Heard a term you would like us to add to the list? Please feel free to comment below and we will add it to the list!
Comments
What does who mean
Hi Michael, I don’t quite understand the question. Is WHO an acronym?