National Hunt Horse Racing

National Hunt Racing is run over jumps except in the case of National Hunt Flat Races which are run over National Hunt courses but without any jumps. Only horses of 4, 5 and 6 year olds that have never raced in any other official race are eligible for this type of race.

Horses are not allowed to run in a Hurdle Race until July 1st of the year in which they are three years old. Minimum race distance is 2 miles. Both the Champion Hurdle and Triumph Hurdle are run at Cheltenham over 2 miles 200 yards. Despite attracting several different sponsors both races have been run for many years.

Steeple Chase Races are run over bigger, fixed fences and are for more experienced horses. Horses are not allowed to run in a Steeple Chase until they have passed July 1st of the year in which they are four years old.

The name Steeple Chase was derived from the term 'chase to the steeple'. Church Steeples were chosen as starting and finishing places because of their prominence as landmarks. The first recorded Steeple Chase was run in 1752 in County Cork, Ireland. Two riders, O'Callaghan and Blake raced 4 ½ miles from Buttevant Church to St Mary's in Doneraile.

The first race in England, involving more than two horses, was recorded in 1792. From then on the sport was held at established racecourses. The Grand National at Aintree is probably the best known Steeple Chase in England demanding stamina, courage, jumping ability and a certain amount of good luck from its runners and riders.

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