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Pattern Flat:
Pattern Hurdle:
Pattern Races
Pattern races, or Group races are the elite contests of Flat racing: a series of tests for the best horses at all ages and at different distances, together they give the season its carefully constructed form, ensuring top class and competitive racing on a europe wide scale. The idea was born in the mid 1960's in response to worries about the lack of balance between British and French racing, and the Duke of Norfolk's Pattern of Racing Committee recommended in 1965 a system to embrace England, Ireland and France. (Germany and Italy joined later). The aim of the Pattern was not to invent races but to grade existing races in such a way, according to the report of the Committee, as to ensure that a series of races over the right distances and at the right time of year are available to test the best horses of all ages and . . . to ensure that the horses remain in training long enough and race often enough to be tested properly for constitution and soudness.' In addition to this noble aim in the pursuit of the excellence of the Thoroughbred breed, the existence of the Pattern guarantees enthusiasts a constant stream of high-class racing throughout the season and makes it difficult for the best horses from several countries to avoid meeting each other regularly. The recommended system was finally implemented in 1971, with pattern races divided into three groups:
Group One
Classics and other races of major international importance (in the USA the equivalent is Grade One).
Group Two
Less important than Group One, but still major international races.
Group Three
Primarily domestic races regarded as preparatory contests for the higher groups (such as Classic trials).
Group One races are always run without penalties on a weight-for-age-and-sex basis, whereas penalties can apply in Groups Two and Three races, based on previous performance in pattern races.
Below Group races are Listed races, a set of races designed to identify racehorses of superior merit but below Group standard.
The Pattern
is fluid allowing the status of a particular race to be altered if appropriate.
Pattern (National Hunt)
While jump racing is not part of the European Pattern described above, a seperate Pattern was introduced to the winter game in 1990 to give more of a structure to the jumps season. The jumping Pattern divides into three grades:
Grade One
Championship races where the weight carried by each horses is determined by age and sex with no penalties for previous wins. (Weight-for-Age). They are generally the top races and attract the best horses and biggest prizes.
Grade Two
Either Weight-for-Age races (like Grade 1), but with penalties for previous wins, or Limited Handicaps which feature narrow weight ranges.
Grade Three
Valuable Open Handicaps where the weight carried is determined by a horse's Handicap rating.
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