Listed races

Below Group standard, races are similarly graded with listed events being next in importance.

Listed races are superior to average races but are below Group standard.

Handicap races

Horses which are not good enough to compete in Group and Listed races run in handicaps.

In handicaps, each horse is allocated a weight on the basis of its past performances.

The idea is to give every horse in the race an equal chance of winning - a "perfect" handicap would see a dead heat between all the horses in a race.

A handicap is "formed" from ratings given by Jockey Club officials to every horse that runs.

These ratings, which are updated on a weekly basis, are then converted into weights.

The weight range varies from race to race, with the top-rated horse carrying the heaviest weight stipulated in the race conditions.

All races also have a minimum weight, which must be carried even by horses who, according to their handicap rating should be carrying less.

Such horses are said to be "out of the handicap".

Limited handicap races

These are races in which the weight range is kept narrow to encourage high-class horses to be entered as they will not have to concede as much weight to other runners.

Another kind of handicap allows horses within a limited rating range, for example 0-70. This is to provide more winning opportunities for lower class horses.

Maiden

For horses who have never won a race before.

Nursery

A handicap race only for two-year-olds.