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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.

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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.

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.

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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