User:Pattern Racing

Pattern Races form the top level of flat horseracing the world over providing the benchmark of quality for thoroughbreds.

The races are divided into three categories Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 with the top level being Group 1. In north America they are referred to as Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3.

Pattern races are conditions races meaning the weights carried by the runners are dictated by the conditions attached to the race.

Weights are set according three factors, sex of the runners with females receiving an allowance from males, age with younger horses getting an allowance from older ones to balance maturity and finally success at the level previously with horses who have won at the level giving an allowance to those who have not.

The Pattern system is overseen by The International Federation Of Horseracing who control and adjust the system in order to preserve the integrity of the races with the aim of producing the best horses to improve the quality of breeding.

Pattern racing scans the globe. The USA, Canada, Dubai, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan, Chile, Brazil, Hong Kong and Turkey are all included in the pattern racing calendar.