Equestrian sports - Flat racing

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Flat racing is a popular equestrian sport in both the UK and further afield with prestigious meetings being held throughout Europe, the US, Australia, the Middle East and the Far East.

Flat racing is a form of horse racing that involves the horse running over a fixed distance of turf (natural grass) which stretches from five furlongs to around two miles. The horse is not required to jump over any hurdles. Flat racing is purely a test of the horse's speed and stamina and the jockey's riding skills.

The season traditionally runs from March to November but the introduction of all-weather tracks in some parts of the UK means that flat racing now has the opportunity to take place year-round. For a full listing of British flat horse races please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_flat_horse_races.

The key facts about flat racing

There are 59 racecourses in Britain, 17 of which stage only flat racing. The UK holds five classic flat race meetings:

Epsom Derby
Epsom Oaks
One Thousand Guineas Stakes
St. Leger Stakes
Two Thousand Guineas Stakes

Flat racing is split into two distinct categories: conditions races and handicaps.

Conditions races consist of both pattern races (group races) and listed races. Pattern races are the highest graded races of the flat season and offer an even distribution of different types of horse races at all distances across the season. They are graded as follows:

Group one - classics and other races of major international importance
Group two - races of lower international importance
Group three - mainly domestic races

Listed races are less important than pattern races but more prestigious than handicap races.

Handicap races are reserved for horses that are not quite good enough to compete in pattern and listed races. Horses are given an equal chance of winning in handicap races as each is allocated a different weight based on a demonstration of its past racing abilities.

The glamour of flat racing

This equestrian sport is considered more glamorous than jump racing. Not only does the flat racing season run over the summer, meaning better weather and more opportunity for ladies to show off their resplendent hats, but also the prize money is higher.

The most popular, star-studded race meetings include Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood where horse racing enthusiasts come to soak up the atmosphere, sample the fine dining and have a punt.

Owning a flat race horse is a serious commodity and many owners and trainers dedicate their lives to the business. However, celebrity flat horse owners such as footballer Michael Owen, and Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber treat flat racing as more of a hobby.

Fine equestrian equipment and horse riding wear

Whether you are a professional equestrian or simply enjoy riding for pleasure, the Dogwood range features the finest Stubben bridles, martingales, reins and saddlery that will make an excellent addition to your horse tack collection.

Our outstanding range includes jodhpurs, riding jackets, hats and gloves by experts in equestrian clothing such as Dublin and Charles Owen. We also offer the finest jodhpur boots and premium long leather boots from the masters at Sergio Grasso.

If you require details about any of our equestrian equipment and horse riding wear please contact 0845 30 10 365.

For more information please see:

The National Hunt or jump racing explained

The growing prominence of equestrian sports

Equestrian sports - dressage

Equestrian events - endurance riding

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