National Hunt Season - The basics
Horse racing is one of the most ancient of all sports and having a wide variation in its race formats at present. Variations include running over obstacles, running over different distances, running on different track surfaces and running in different gaits. Different countries have developed their own particular horse racing traditions.
National hunt racing is the biggest horse jump racing in UK where everyone wants to have chance. The racing has two major distinct branches known as hurdles and steeplechases. It also includes flat races taking place at jumps meetings which is known as National Hunt flat races.
In a hurdles race horses jump over obstacles that are over three and a half feet high. They are typically made of a series of panels made of brush and are flexible. The races always have a minimum of eight obstacles called hurdles and a distance of two miles. A steeplechase is a distance horse race in which horses jump over a variety of obstacles that can include plain fences, water jump or an open ditch.
Jump racing and flat racing would not appear to be much different to a typical observer. Both include horses, jockeys and excited punters trying to win big. The races are on turf, the furlong poles are the same distance apart and the winning post is still the winning post. But if you have a closer look there is much to perceive.
When betting on horse jumping, the most notable variable is the obstacles. Jumping ability of a horse is key factor in National hunt racing. With flat racing there is no chance of a horse falling over but when you study the form of horses in National Hunt racing it is important to note if they are a good jumper or not. In terms of assessing a horses jumping ability you have to consider how many fences were hit or mistakes made at fences. If a horse keeps taking hard hits on fences no matter how fast it runs it’s very unlikely to win the race. On the other hand mediocre horse jumping well with a moderate speed can take out the best horses jumping badly on the track.
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