We all have at least a passing familiarity with thoroughbred racing, since the three largest events in thoroughbred racing are televised every year. These three events are known as the Thoroughbred Triple Crown and are comprised of the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness.

The Triple Crown races are run on a flat, dirt track. In most instances, the horses will pace themselves and finish the race with a powerful surge of speed. There are some instances where a horse will have enough speed that they will be able to win the race from the starting gate to the finish line.

What many spectators to these races do not realize is that this is only one type of Thoroughbred horse racing that is available and while these races are the most popular Thoroughbred horse races, there are other forms of Thoroughbred horseracing that are popular as well.

Turf racing is another popular variation on Thoroughbred racing. The distinction between these races and other Thoroughbred races is that they are run on grass rather than dirt, though everything else about the races remains the same.

Turf courses for thoroughbred horse racing are just as long as the courses used for other race events. The difference is the turf; as well as the terms which are used in the sport. The difference is chiefly in the words used to describe the condition of the track used for the race. For example, in turf racing, “firm” is used where in dirt track racing, “fast” would be used instead.

Thoroughbreds can also be run in races that require the horse to jump several fences during the course of the race. These Thoroughbred horse races are commonly referred to as steeplechases and provide an extra challenge to both the horse and the rider during the race.

On a flat race course, speed is the primary factor which is needed. Steeplechases, by contrast require the horse to have a great deal of stamina and the jockey to have some skills ? the jockey must know the right time to tell the horse to jump in order to clear the fences. The number of jumps which will be needed is dependent on the length of the race course in this variation on Thoroughbred horse racing.

Tags: Horses