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Steeplechase, also known as Jump Racing, is a horse racing sport in which competitors on horseback race on a long-distance course that has several types of obstacles. The sport originated in Ireland where it still remains as a very popular sport. It is also popular in the United States, Australia, France and the UK.
The courses used for the races are specifically designed, with a grass or turf surface featuring obstacles like hurdles, fences and water jumps. The total race length is typically between 4 to 6 miles. The number of obstacles used and the distance between obstacles varies for different courses.
Steeplechase racing is currently referred to by different names in different countries; although the objective of the sport and the race format all remain the same everywhere.
![steeplechase racing](../horse-racing/images/horseracing-steeplechase-pixabay.jpg)
In Great Britain and Ireland the sport is called 'National Hunt racing'. These two countries have several competitions throughout the year and account for over 50% of all races conducted worldwide. The Grand National steeplechase race conducted annually in Liverpool, is the most famous race in all of steeple chasing, where a prize money of £1 million is offered.
In the United States, the Breeders' Cup Grand National Steeplechase competition held annually in New Jersey is the most popular race which carries a purse of $500,000.
Similar Sports
- Endurance Racing — an equestrian discipline where riders and horses compete in races over very long distances.
- Show Jumping — riders on horseback attempt to jump cleanly through sets of obstacles within a specific time.
- Eventing — riders compete in three types of races, dressage, cross-country and show jumping, in a single competition.
Related Pages
- List of all sports involving horses
- Other equestrian sports
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports
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