RaceCards.CO.UK

Guide to National Hunt Racing

National Hunt racing — commonly known as jump racing — is one of the most thrilling and dramatic forms of horse racing in the world. From the roar of the crowd at Cheltenham to the unique spectacle of the Grand National, NH racing offers a winter sporting calendar packed with drama, tradition, and betting opportunities. This guide covers everything you need to know about jump racing, from the different race types and fence structures to the grading system and the biggest races on the calendar.

Key Info

Bumpers (NH Flat races) and novice races are excellent sources of future stars. Many top-class horses begin in bumpers before progressing through novice hurdles and then novice chases. Following horses from their bumper debuts through their development can uncover future champions at generous prices. Novice races also offer strong betting opportunities because horses are still developing and the form is often less exposed.

Hurdles vs Chases

National Hunt racing consists of two main disciplines: hurdling and steeplechasing (or chasing). The fundamental difference is the size and type of obstacles the horses must negotiate. Understanding this distinction is essential because the skills required for each discipline are different, and many horses excel at one but not the other.

Hurdle races use smaller, more forgiving obstacles that are approximately 3 feet 6 inches high and made from flexible brush material. Horses tend to brush through the top of hurdles rather than jumping cleanly over them, and the pace is generally faster than in chase races because the obstacles are less demanding. Hurdle races are typically run over distances from two miles to three miles and are contested by horses that may lack the jumping ability or experience for chasing, or are still developing their careers.

Steeplechase races feature much larger, more solid fences that are at least 4 feet 6 inches high and require horses to jump cleanly. Mistakes at fences are more costly than at hurdles, and falls are more common. Chase races demand greater jumping ability, bravery, and experience from both horse and jockey. They are generally run over longer distances, from two miles upwards to the four miles and two furlongs of the Grand National, and offer the sport's most prestigious prizes.

Fence Types in Steeplechasing

Steeplechase courses feature three main types of fence, each presenting different challenges to horse and rider. Understanding these fence types helps you assess which horses are likely to handle a particular course well.

Plain fences are the standard obstacles on any chase course. They consist of tightly packed birch brush and are approximately 4 feet 6 inches high. Horses must jump cleanly over these fences, and while the brush is forgiving to a degree, a significant mistake can result in a fall. Most courses have between 12 and 20 plain fences depending on the distance of the race.

Open ditches are plain fences with a ditch on the take-off side. The ditch is typically 6 feet wide and 2 feet deep, marked with a guard rail to help horses see the obstacle. Open ditches require horses to stand off further from the fence and jump with more scope. They are considered more demanding than plain fences and are where many falls occur, particularly among novice chasers who are less experienced at judging their take-off point.

Water jumps are a lower fence (around 3 feet) with a wide expanse of water on the landing side. Horses must clear both the fence and the water, requiring a long, flat jump. Water jumps are typically only found on the main course at major tracks and are jumped once per circuit. They test a horse's scope and athleticism rather than its precision over birch fences.

Novice, Maiden, and Graded Races

National Hunt racing has a structured progression for horses moving through the ranks. Maiden races are for horses that have never won over a particular discipline — maiden hurdle for horses that have not won a hurdle race, maiden chase for those yet to win a chase. Novice races are for horses in their first season competing in that discipline. A novice hurdler is in its first season of hurdling, regardless of how many hurdle races it has run or won during that season.

Above these entry-level contests, graded races represent the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. Grade 1 races are the championship events, featuring the very best horses competing at level weights without penalties. The Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and King George VI Chase are all Grade 1 events. Grade 2 races are slightly below the top level and often serve as stepping stones or trial races for Grade 1 targets. Grade 3 contests represent high-quality racing below Grade 2.

Key National Hunt Races

The National Hunt calendar features a number of championship races that define the sport. The table below lists the most prestigious events, their venues, distances, and the month they typically take place. These races are the targets that top trainers plan their seasons around.

RaceVenueDistanceMonthGrade
Champion HurdleCheltenham2m 87yMarchGrade 1
Cheltenham Gold CupCheltenham3m 2f 70yMarchGrade 1
Queen Mother Champion ChaseCheltenham1m 7f 199yMarchGrade 1
Stayers' HurdleCheltenham2m 7f 213yMarchGrade 1
King George VI ChaseKempton Park3mDecemberGrade 1
Grand NationalAintree4m 2f 74yAprilGrade 3 Handicap
Fighting Fifth HurdleNewcastle2m 87yNovemberGrade 1
Tingle Creek ChaseSandown Park1m 7f 119yDecemberGrade 1
Long Walk HurdleAscot3m 97yDecemberGrade 1
Betfair ChaseHaydock Park3m 1f 125yNovemberGrade 1

The NH Season Structure

The National Hunt season builds through the autumn and winter towards the two major spring festivals. The season begins in earnest in October and November with early-season Grade 1 races like the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and the Betfair Chase at Haydock. These races serve as important early indicators of the championship picture and help establish the pecking order among the top horses.

The Christmas period is a highlight of the NH calendar, headlined by the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day — one of the most prestigious middle-distance chases in the world. The Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and the Kauto Star Novices' Chase are also run during the festive period.

The season reaches its climax at the Cheltenham Festival in March, a four-day extravaganza featuring 28 races including seven Grade 1 events. The Festival is the championship meeting of NH racing and attracts the best horses from both the UK and Ireland. The Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase are the three championship races that determine the best in each division.

The season concludes with the Aintree Grand National meeting in April, featuring the most famous horse race in the world. The three-day meeting also includes the Aintree Hurdle, Melling Chase, and several other Grade 1 events. After Aintree, the Punchestown Festival in late April rounds off the jumps season with a week of top-quality racing in Ireland.

Betting on National Hunt Racing

National Hunt racing presents unique betting challenges and opportunities compared to Flat racing. The jumping element introduces an additional variable — even the most talented horse can make a mistake at a fence or hurdle that costs it the race. This inherent unpredictability means that outsiders win more frequently in NH racing than on the Flat, which creates value for punters who can identify overlooked contenders.

Ground conditions are arguably even more important in NH racing than on the Flat. Heavy ground over jumps demands enormous stamina and tests a horse's jumping technique under fatigue. Some horses thrive in the mud while others are completely ineffective. Checking a horse's going preferences is essential before backing any NH runner. Use our racecards and daily tips pages to find informed National Hunt selections every day of the jumps season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hurdles and fences?
Hurdles are smaller obstacles (approximately 3 feet 6 inches) made of brush or flexible material that horses jump through rather than over. Fences (also called steeplechase fences) are much larger and more solid, typically 4 feet 6 inches or more, constructed with birch and requiring horses to jump cleanly over them. Hurdling is generally considered less dangerous than chasing, and many horses begin their NH careers over hurdles before progressing to fences.
What is a bumper in National Hunt racing?
A bumper — officially called a National Hunt Flat race — is a race run under NH rules but without any obstacles to jump. Bumpers are used to introduce young horses to racecourse conditions before they tackle hurdles or fences. They typically attract four, five, and six-year-olds and can be excellent indicators of future stars. Many Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup winners began their careers in bumpers.
How are National Hunt races graded?
National Hunt races use a grading system from Grade 1 (the highest) to Grade 3. Grade 1 races are the championship events of the sport, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and King George VI Chase. Grade 2 races are the next level down and often serve as trials for Grade 1 events. Grade 3 races represent high-quality competition below the top level. Below graded races are Listed races, then handicaps of various classes.
When is the National Hunt season?
The core National Hunt season runs from October through to late April, with the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Aintree Grand National meeting in April being the two biggest fixtures. However, summer jumping continues throughout May to September at selected tracks, providing opportunities for horses that prefer better ground or are not quite good enough for the winter programme.
What makes the Grand National different from other races?
The Grand National at Aintree is unique in several ways. At approximately 4 miles 2 furlongs, it is the longest race in the British calendar. The course features 30 unique fences including famous obstacles like Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn. The field size of up to 40 runners is also the largest of any race. These factors combine to make it one of the most unpredictable and exciting events in world sport.

Latest racing questions answered

By RaceCards editorial

AI-assisted educational content with source links, not human editorial review. See each article’s disclosure for its checking status.

Why do National Hunt horses run in bumpers without jumping?

Bumpers are National Hunt Flat races run under jump rules to introduce and assess young horses intended for a jumping career without exposing them to fences or hurdles. They let trainers and owners evaluate fitness, temperament and racing ability at race speed, provide an official performance record before schooling for jumps, and help place horses into the right next step—hurdles, maiden hurdles, or steeplechases [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: Why do National Hunt horses run in bumpers without jumping?

How are hurdles different from fences in jump racing?

Hurdles are lower, lighter, more forgiving obstacles used in races and schooling; fences are taller, more solid timber or brush obstacles used in steeplechases. Hurdles are often an early step for young National Hunt horses and suit speed and rhythm, while fences demand greater scope, balance and later-season progression. Both are distinct jump categories in National Hunt racing and shape a horse’s career path and race selection [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: How are hurdles different from fences in jump racing?

What is point-to-point form, and how does it differ from racecourse form?

Point-to-point form is the recorded racing history of a horse in amateur countryside steeplechases run under point-to-point rules; it highlights performance over natural fences, informal conditions and often smaller fields. Racecourse form is the official record from licensed race meetings on recognised tracks, using regulated distances, going descriptions and handicapping. Both inform assessment, but they reflect different competition standards, course types and regulatory frames [gbr-glossary][jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: What is point-to-point form, and how does it differ from racecourse form?

What makes a hunter chase different from another steeplechase?

A hunter chase is a specific type of steeplechase run mainly for horses that have hunted or been assessed for hunting, not just any chaser. It differs in entry conditions, the type and number of fences, and the emphasis on suitability for field-hunting rather than pure racing form. Rules and common practice about eligibility and presentation are distinct from ordinary steeplechases and are described in racing glossaries and stewards’ guidance [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: What makes a hunter chase different from another steeplechase?

What can hurdle form tell me before a horse's first chase?

Hurdle form tells you about a horse’s jumping experience, temperament, stamina signs and routine equipment cues before its first chase. Look for consistent jumping, finishing speed and whether the horse handled hurdles without interference or falls; note novice status, gear changes like blinkers and how the horse raced tactically. Those clues suggest adaptability to larger fences but cannot guarantee fence technique or fitness over longer trips [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: What can hurdle form tell me before a horse's first chase?

What does schooling a racehorse over jumps mean?

Schooling a racehorse over jumps means deliberately training a horse to take obstacles safely and confidently before it competes under Jump or National Hunt rules. It covers progressive exercises at hurdles or fences to teach technique, rhythm and bravery, separate from general fitness work. Schooling is a stage of preparation used by trainers to reduce risk in races, assess suitability for hurdling or chasing, and establish a horse’s jumping style and scope [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: What does schooling a racehorse over jumps mean?

What does F record in jumping form, and what does it leave unexplained?

In jumping form, the letter F records that a horse fell in that race; it flags a failure to complete the contest due to a fall at a jump [jc-form]. F does not record why the fall happened, the severity of any injury, whether the jockey continued, or whether the fall was caused by the horse, another runner, the ground or the fence itself. Read F as a factual shorthand only, and seek fuller detail elsewhere [jc-form] [gbr-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: What does F record in jumping form, and what does it leave unexplained?

Why is a mistake at a jump not the same as a fall?

A mistake at a jump means a horse makes an error in take-off, landing or body position but remains on its feet and continues; a fall is when horse or rider hits the ground. The distinction matters because being brought down, falling or unseating can trigger different steward actions, affect the finishing order and carry safety and welfare consequences under jump-racing conventions [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: Why is a mistake at a jump not the same as a fall?

What does disqualified mean in a racing result?

Disqualified in a racing result means a horse has been removed or demoted from its finishing position after officials review the race and determine a rules infringement affected the outcome. The action is taken by the race stewards following an enquiry; it can change placings, prize money and how bets are settled, depending on whether the result is declared void or amended [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: What does disqualified mean in a racing result?

Why is stamina important when comparing jump-racing trips?

Stamina matters because jump races vary in length and obstacles, and a horse that can stay the trip is more likely to maintain pace and jump safely to the finish. Comparing trips without accounting for staying ability ignores how distance, race type and a horse’s known tendency to finish strongly or weaken changes outcome and suitability for hurdles versus long chases [gbr-glossary][jc-glossary].

AI-assisted educational explainer with source links. Not independently fact-checked. Source links are provided for readers to check the information; they do not certify every claim. Check official rules and terms before relying on this article.

Updated

Sources

Read the full guide: Why is stamina important when comparing jump-racing trips?