In Gallop fixtures, the jockey will be riding on the horse’s back. However, we can further break down Gallop racing into two separate areas. They are Flat and Jumps.
A Flat race will be over a relatively short distance and the horses will not have to overcome any obstacles. Famous Flat races include the Epsom Derby and the St Leger Stakes.
Jump races are for jumpers, in the UK they are specifically known as National Hunt races. The runners will have to overcome a number of obstacles, which will either be hurdles or fences. Fences are bigger and sturdier than hurdles, which are much easier to jump over.
A race over fences will be known as a chase, or steeplechase. Well-known National Hunt races include the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle and the Aintree Grand National.
