One of the most popular horse race types you're likely to come across is the 'handicap chase'. But what is this type of race, and how does it differ to others?
When betting on horse racing, it’s important to familiarise yourself with all the different types of races, as each variety has its own rules and regulations. One of the most popular race types you’re likely to come across is the ‘handicap chase’, with major events including Aintree and Cheltenham holding some of the world’s most popular races of this category.
But if you’re new to the world of horse racing, you may be asking yourself, “What is a handicap chase?”. Our guide will explain all you need to know to keep up with the action from home so that you can root for your favourite riders and horses without any confusion.
What is a handicap chase?
A chase (or steeplechase) is one of the most common varieties of horse racing. These races feature obstacles that must be cleared before crossing the finish line, with fences, ditches, and water jumps all being commonly seen on chase courses.
Handicap races are designed to give each competing horse an equal chance by adding extra weight to horses with a greater chance of winning. Generally, heavier horses don’t gain as much speed when galloping, so riders with lighter or more experienced horses have an advantage. These races put each horse on an even playing field by making sure no horse has a lead over the other competitors by default.
Simply put, a handicap chase combines these two ideas and describes any race with obstacles where each horse is given a weight to ensure a fair competition. Perhaps the most famous example of a handicap chase is the Aintree Grand National.
What is a novices’ limited handicap chase?
In horse racing, a novice is a horse with limited experience. For instance, some horses are specialised to races of a specific type, or haven’t raced in enough competitions to challenge more experienced horses. As such, novices are often grouped into races together to ensure a fair race.
A novices’ limited handicap chase is a race designed for horses who either haven’t run in a certain number of chases, or who haven’t won such events. Each novice is given a handicap to make sure the weight distribution among horses is fair, before racing to be the first across the finish line on a racecourse fitted with obstacles.
When do handicap chases take place?
Handicap chases are a common fixture, and you can see them take place at events across the racing calendar. They run throughout the National Hunt season, meaning most Grade 1 handicap chases will be held from October to April.
They are also mainstays of many of the most popular spring racing festivals. The National Hunt Novices’ Chase and Ultima Handicap Chase are two of the most popular events at Cheltenham, while Aintree’s defining event, the Grand National, is also contested under handicap chase rules.
Why are handicap chases so popular among fans?
Handicap chases are some of the most popular races in the sport, but what is it that makes them so fun to watch? First of all, by giving each horse a handicap, it’s harder to predict a winner. This means that even the most experienced horses aren’t guaranteed a win against younger competitors.
A handicap chase also allows for underdog victories, as a more experienced horse in another type of race may be at a disadvantage. This means that handicap chases are great for finding up-and-coming talent to follow, as an unexpected winner could later find great success in other races. On the other hand, an experienced horse winning a handicap chase can show its dominance of the sport by overcoming the extra weight.
The obstacles added to handicap chases also introduce an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. Some horses are very fast, but struggle to clear jumps, which can affect their performance in the long run. This means that handicap chases showcase a horse’s complete skillset, as they’ll need to be a well-rounded racer to win.
Finally, the handicap system makes it easy for new viewers to learn more about the horses they’re watching, as the weight assigned to each horse is based on their experience. The greater the weight placed on a horse, the better their recent performances have been, meaning viewers can easily learn which competitors are the most experienced.
Handicap chase vs handicap hurdle
Handicap hurdles are another common form of horse racing, which may appear similar to handicap chases at a surface level. The main difference between these two types of competitions is that hurdle races typically feature more minor obstacles than a chase.
A handicap hurdle features obstacles that must be a minimum of 3½ feet high, while fences in a handicap chase must be over 4½ feet high. Chases also often feature other challenges, such as water and ditches, which aren’t used in hurdle races.
Popular handicap chase examples
Now that you’ve learned what a handicap chase is, you may be wondering which races to watch to see one in action. These are some of the most popular examples of handicap chases in the racing calendar:
Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in horse racing, with the Ultima Handicap Chase taking place on its first day each year. The Challenge Cup Handicap Chase is another race contested under similar rules at the event, which is typically held as the final event of Day One.
Meanwhile, the TrustATrader Plate and Kim Muir Challenge Cup are other popular handicap chases at Cheltenham, while the National Hunt Novices’ Chase gives a platform to less experienced horses.
The Grand National Festival
Arguably the most famous handicap chase in the world, The Grand National is the most-watched British horse racing event of the calendar year, with a rich history of legendary jockeys and horses taking home the trophy. The festival is also home to the Topham Chase and the Red Rum Handicap Chase, which provide more chances to see your favourite racers in handicap chase action.
Coral Gold Cup
The Coral Gold Cup is an annual handicap chase held at Newbury racecourse. Riders who place can earn their share of a £200,000 prize pool, making it a hotly contested race.
The Irish Grand National
First held in 1870, the Irish Grand National is Ireland’s premier handicap chase event. Held in County Meath, riders compete for a prize pool of €500,000 and a place in the history books next to some of Ireland’s greatest jockeys.
How to bet on horse racing
Looking to play along with a handicap chase at home? Read our guide on how to bet on horse racing, then head over to our horse racing sportsbook and look for which race you’d like to follow. Our up-to-date odds will give you the chance to win big on racing action.
And if you want to learn more about racing, head to the horse racing section of our blog for all the latest picks, tips, and guides to help you get the most out of your betting experience.
