Play StableDuel’s FREE Foxfield Races Contest With $2,500 in Prizes!

This Sunday the StableDuel app offers a FREE game with $2,500 in prizes …

What’s the occasion? They want you to try Steeplechase racing! Play the StableDuel app Sunday, Oct. 2 for the Foxfield Races and see how your stable sets up against your friends. Plus, did we say there is $2,500 in prizes paid out? FREE TO PLAY!

Not sure about Steeplechase racing? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with: A Beginner’s Guide to Jump Racing

How does Jump racing differ from flat racing? While this seems pretty obvious, there is actually much more to it than first meets the eye.

The main difference is that flat racing is run on a level racecourse, without obstacles. In jump racing, the horses have to leap over hurdles or wooden fences (Timber Racing) generally on undulating courses, over a minimum of two miles. 

The Obstacles 

Flat racing has no obstacles aside from other horses and aggressive jockeys.

Whereas Jumpers have to negotiate hurdles which are usually made from flexible wood and brush, or sometimes plastic, measuring at least three-and-a-half feet in height. The top layer of a hurdle is designed for horses to brush through, so they don’t fall should the horse fail to completely clear it. The best hurdlers will have a low, efficient jumping technique where they lose as little momentum as possible.

The Distance 

No five-furlong sprints here. 

The minimum distance in jump racing is two miles. Races such as the Grand National in the UK are run over four miles and two furlongs, plus they have to navigate 30 jumps. Most hurdle races in the U.S. have a minimum of eight hurdles, spread over the 2-plus mile course. (No 44 and change here!)

The Start

Flat races use starting stalls. 

No such thing in jump racing. Flag starts only. Jockeys will circle their horse until the starter calls them in, at which point they walk over to the flag. The starter drops the flag and the horses take off (sometimes!) 

The Age

Flat racing generally sees much younger runners than the jumps. Sprints often contain juveniles (horses racing at 2 years of age), and many of the better horses will retire at just 3 or 4 to be sent to stud, lots of money to be made there.

Not in the jump world. Horses are novices at 3 years old. Most jumpers don’t reach their peak until they are between 7 and 10 years old!

The Track Conditions

Perhaps the biggest variable between jumps and flat racing is the differences in the course conditions. Flat racing largely takes place when the turf is generally dry, the slightest amount of rain can cause the race to be “taken off the turf”

Not in jump racing. Surfaces can vary from Firm to Heavy. Some horses love to plow through the muddy ground, whereas others want to hear their hooves rattle.

So which is better?

Jumps vs. flat racing. This is an age-old question that many race fans debate, but it all comes down to preference. 

The longer careers of jump horses cater to interesting storylines. Jump racing allows for celebrity horses who will race over many years and build up a following and reputation, even rivalries. One example in the UK is Kauto Star who ran in the Cheltenham Gold Cup six times, winning it in 2007 and 2009, with his stablemate Denman winning the 2008 edition. The competition between Denman and Kauto Star over the course of a number of years was eagerly anticipated by race fans and is a storyline that could never happen in flat racing.

In the U.S., the 8-year-old (YES EIGHT) Snap Decision is regarded as one of the top horses in the country. Bred in Kentucky by Phipps Stable, Snap Decision has won 13 of his 36 starts amassing over $822,334 in prize money. Snap Decision has won or ran second in every one of his 16 jump starts. Last time out in the Lonesome Glory, Snap Decision carried 168 pounds, compare that to Rich Strike, who won the Kentucky Derby carrying 126 pounds. Light work.

Written by: Steve Coxon (https://www.usasteeplechase.com/)

Sources: www.ukgambling.com

So, what do you need to do for Sunday? Download the StableDuel app and create your account.

Click + Start New Game and select Foxfield Races and Enter! Create your stable of 10 horses spread over the races on the day within the $50,000 bankroll. You can only play one stable and the game locks at first post, or 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday!

Need help? Visit our HOW IT WORKS (https://stableduel.com/how-it-works/) or reach out to the StableDuel team at support@stableduel.com

For more information: Visit www.stableduel.com and www.foxfieldraces.com