Horse racing in the United Kingdom is generally of three types, and is a major contributor to the UK economy. Horse-racing can be over fences, over hurdles, or unobstructed distances races, known as "flat racing".
Additionally there is another form of racing which is run on an altogether more informal and ad hoc basis known as point to point racing. Point to point is a form of steeplechasing for amateur riders. It, like professional racing, is nevertheless run under the auspices of the regulator for horse-racing in the United Kingdom, the Jockey Club, an arm of the British Horseracing Board.
The highlights of the UK racing year are:
- The Grand National (fences)
- The Cheltenham Gold Cup (fences)
- The Epsom Derby (flat)
- The Epsom Oaks (flat)
- The 1000 Guineas (flat)
- The Two Thousand Guineas Stakes (flat)
- The St. Leger Stakes (flat)
- The King George VI Stakes
