| For the beginner, thoroughbred horse racing can be | | | | infrequently and cannot be claimed. |
| quite confusing at first. First, you must learn about | | | | Handicap |
| the different types of races in a typical race meeting. | | | | The handicap races are usually high class races where |
| The types are listed as follows: Maiden, Claiming, | | | | horses of varying ages compete against each other |
| Allowance, Handicap and Stakes. These categories | | | | and are given weight handicaps depending on the age |
| are designed to make the races more evenly | | | | of the horse. The older stronger horses are given the |
| competitive. | | | | heavier weights to make this a more even match. |
| Maiden | | | | Stakes |
| Maiden races are for horses who have never won | | | | Stakes races are for the highest class of horses and |
| and can be the most difficult to handicap due to their | | | | have very high purses. These are annual races such |
| short race histories. These horses are generally very | | | | as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or Belmont |
| young and erratic in these races. Many handicappers | | | | Stakes. |
| go to the family tree method to try and choose a | | | | Each of the above mentioned types of races can be |
| winner here. | | | | run at different distances. A race run at 7 furlongs or |
| Claiming | | | | less is commonly known as a sprint. Races of a mile |
| Claiming races are the most common and horses will | | | | or more are known as routes. |
| compete at different claiming amounts depending on | | | | By learning the types of races, you can see how |
| their class. These horses may be claimed before the | | | | they will group horses in a race in order to make the |
| beginning of these races. | | | | races more even. This should give you a feel for |
| Allowance | | | | some of the thoroughbred horse racing basics that |
| Allowance races are for horses which race | | | | can help you become a better handicapper. |