GALLOP

Flat gallop races are held over different distances, between 1,000 and 3,000 meters (in rare races even over longer distances). Horses and jockeys enter the starting stalls according to an order assigned by draw and await the starting signal given by the starter, who automatically opens all the gates. Based on the distance foreseen for each individual race, the start takes place at different points on the track, always remaining the arrival point: the finish line. We can imagine the world of racing as a pyramid, with routine races at the base and the most important ones, called selection ones, at the apex. Obviously the prize money up for grabs will be greater, increasing the importance of the races. The most important selection races are those of international value and are called Group Races (Pattern Race) and are of three levels (Group 1, 2 and 3). One step below are the Listed Races, which also have international status.

Followed by all the other types of races which can be divided into four types: conditional, handicap, maiden, sell and claim. For these last two categories, the horses participating can be purchased in the manner established by the regulations. For the winners of the "to sell" races, for example, after confirmation of the order of arrival, a public auction takes place in the center of the presentation round. Male and female horses can run together or in separate events, i.e. reserved for the two different sexes.