What is a steeplechase and how does it differ from other races?

What kind of horses are used for steeplechasing?

Horses used for steeplechasing are primarily former flat racing horses, rather than horses specifically bred for jumping. There is an emphasis on safety in Australia which has led to a reduction in the size of obstacles. As jumps races take place at flat racing meetings there is also a need for portable jumps.

What is a steeplechase horse race?

A steeplechase is a distance horse race in which competitors are required to jump diverse fence and ditch obstacles. Steeplechasing is primarily conducted in Ireland (where it originated), the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, and France.

What is a novice in steeplechase?

The term novice is used to describe a horse in the early stages of its steeplechase career. Novice races are held at many meets, to give horses experience over hurdles before they compete with more-seasoned jumpers. 6. Steeplechase horses generally do not train at the race track

Why is it called a chase to the steeple?

They would race to landmarks such as church steeples, and thus one of these races was a chase to the steeple, or a steeplechase. What is a steeplechase horse? A steeplechase horse is a Thoroughbred, just like those that race at American racetracks on all other days.

What breed of horse is best for steeplechase racing?

It’s no surprise that the Thoroughbred is the most popular breed for flat and steeplechase racing, especially when you consider that it was developed solely as a racing horse. During the 17th and 18th centuries, three horses (amongst others) were imported into England with the goal of creating a breed that was the ultimate fast breed.

What is the difference between a steeplechase and a flat race?

They usually are a little older than the horses that race on the flat, and most of them have experience on the flat. Because steeplechase races are longer than those on the flat, the steeplechase horse also must have enough stamina to carry its speed over two miles or more.

What makes a horse a steeplechase horse?

In addition to speed, the steeplechase horse must possess the ability to jump fences at a fast pace. They usually are a little older than the horses that race on the flat, and most of them have experience on the flat.

Do steeplechase jockeys have special equipment?

In general, no. Steeplechase jockeys are taller and heavier than most flat jockeys. The weights carried by steeplechase horses are higher than those of flat runners, so the jockeys tend to weigh a bit more than their counterparts on the flat. Do steeplechase jockeys have any special equipment? Yes.

What is a steeplechase of Charleston?

– Steeplechase of Charleston – Horse Race What is a Steeplechase? Not to be confused with the Olympic running race, the Steeplechase of Charleston is a distance horse race in which competitors are required to jump obstacles. The first steeplechase race is thought to have taken place in County Cork Ireland in 1752.

How often do steeplechase horses run?

Proportionally, race days are rare for steeplechase horses Most run in no more than ten races per year. Since there are no races from December through mid-March, horses have plenty of downtime. However, they do not spend the entirety of off-season lazing about. They are exercised in the same way every day in preparation for their next race.

What is steeplechase horse racing?

Steeplechase horse racing is believed to have originated in Ireland in the 18 th century. Huntsmen would race their horses between church steeples, jumping any obstacles in their path.

Do Thoroughbreds run steeplechases?

Thoroughbreds are widely considered to be the most athletic breed of horse, and ‘chasers are especially known for their speed and agility. 3. Proportionally, race days are rare for steeplechase horses Most run in no more than ten races per year. Since there are no races from December through mid-March, horses have plenty of downtime.

What is a novice chase horse race?

Or they are horses that are making the transition from the Flat (no jumps) season to National Hunt (jumps) races. A novice race run over fences is called a novice chase. Why are novice hurdles important?

What is it called when a horse runs over fences?

All about chasing. Share. A steeplechase, more commonly known as a chase, is a race run over fences. Steeplechases are run over distances that range between 2 and 4½ miles (3.2 and 7.2 km). The runners jump over a variety of obstacles that can include plain fences, water jumps or open ditches.

What is the difference between jump racing and steeplechase racing?

The collective term “jump racing” or ” National Hunt racing ” is used when referring to steeplechases and hurdle races collectively (although, properly speaking, National Hunt racing also includes some flat races ). Elsewhere in the world, “steeplechase” is used to refer to any race that involves jumping obstacles.

Why is it called a steeplechase?

According to the 1976 Peter Churchill book entitled, “The Sporting Horse — The History, the Riders & the Rules of Popular Equestrian Sport”, the origin of the term “steeplechase” in relation to horse racing is based on a race that took place between two churches (steeples) in County Cork, Ireland.

Are steeplechase horses prepared for the racetrack?

Because steeplechase races are longer than those on the flat, the steeplechase horse also must have enough stamina to carry its speed over two miles or more. Most are geldings and are continuing their racing careers over fences. Are these horses prepared for their races at the racetrack? In most cases, no.

What is flat horse racing?

Flat racing is a form of horse racing which is run over a level track at a predetermined distance. It differs from steeplechase racing which is run over hurdles. The race is a test of speed, stamina, and the skill of the jockey in determining when to restrain the horse or to impel it.

Why do horses need stamina to run steeplechases?

Since steeplechase races are longer than those on the flat, the ‘chasers need to have enough stamina to carry its speed over two miles or more. It is important for horses to eat a lot in order to store ATP, which is what they use to simulate muscle contraction.

What is the difference between a steeplechase and a horse race?

It differs from steeplechase racing which is run over hurdles. The race is a test of speed, stamina, and the skill of the jockey in determining when to restrain the horse or to impel it. Racing takes place on a natural grass surface (turf) or on a synthetic surface (all-weather).

What do jockeys wear in steeplechases?

The National Steeplechase Association requires jockeys to wear certified helmets that meet stringent crash-protection standards, and they carry padded whips to protect the well-being of the steeplechase horses. Some steeplechase races are for horses known as novices. What is a novice?

Why do steeplechase jockeys weigh more than flat runners?

The weights carried by steeplechase horses are higher than those of flat runners, so the jockeys tend to weigh a bit more than their counterparts on the flat. Do steeplechase jockeys have any special equipment?

What obstacles are used in steeplechase races?

The obstacles used in most races are known as National Fences. They are portable obstacles that are used in steeplechase races up and down the East Coast, where most steeplechase races are held. The man-made fence consists of a steel frame stuffed with plastic “brush,” and it has a foam-rubber roll, covered with green canvas, on the takeoff side.

When is a steeplechase race run?

In the UK and Ireland steeplechase races are run during the winter when the ground is softer, and as such are one of the two racing formats (alongside hurdles) dominant during this period.

What is the average age of a steeplechase horse?

According to Dr. Reynolds Cowles Jr., chairman of the National Steeplechase Association’s Safety Committe, and the 2017 president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the horses have an advantage with their age. Steeplechasers don’t start their careers until they mature, at four or five, and the average age is seven.

What is a novice in steeplechase racing?

A novice is a horse in the early stages of its steeplechase career. Novice races, restricted to horses that won their first races over fences after a specific date, give these younger competitors valuable experience before they face more seasoned jumpers. Who benefits from steeplechase racing?

What is Thoroughbred horse racing?

Thoroughbred horse racing is a worldwide sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses and is arguably the most popular form of horse racing. Races are run in two types of distances: sprints and routes. A sprint is anything one mile or less and a route is anything over a mile in length.