Flat Racing/Chase: A straight-up race on flat land with no obstacles for the horses to jump over.

Jump Racing/Hurdle: Races where horses jump over obstacles like hurdles. Also called National Hunt Racing in the UK and Ireland.

Bumper Racing: A bumper is a flat race run under the rules of Jump racing. It is designed for horses who have not previously run on the Flat to gain experience at competition level. 

Hurdle Racing: A hurdle race is a horse race where the horses jump over obstacles called hurdles. These are smaller than fences and are a minimum of three-and-a-half-feet high. Hurdle races have a minimum of eight hurdles and a minimum distance of two miles (3 km) but can be longer.

Handicap Racing: A handicap is a race where each horse is allocated a weight, according to its ability, in an attempt to equalise every horse’s chance of winning. Handicaps are run on the Flat and over jumps.