Horse racing tracks around the world rated by category/quality.

• Class 1 races
• Class 2–7 races
• National hunt or jump racing classification
• Horse racing venues
• Category A (highest quality, tough handicapping competition?)
• Category B (smaller races, only a few maidens)
• Category C (lots of maidens, horses moving about trying new classes, hard to handicap but has less competition against other bettors?)
• Category D
• Category E

Horse races are divided into seven classes, with Class 1 being the most elite.

Class 1 races

Also known as group or pattern races, these represent the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing. These elite races involve the top echelon of horses in the industry and can be further subdivided into three groups.

Group 1: This top-tier level is open to horses from various age groups. These events offer the most substantial prize money and gain extensive media coverage. Typically, horses in Group 1 races carry the same weight to ensure a fair competition.

Group 2: Although a level below Group 1, Group 2 races still draw some of the finest thoroughbred horses. They offer significant prizes and receive considerable media attention. Some horses compete in both Group 1 and 2 races within a season.

Group 3: Group 3 races might not attract the strongest horses, but they serve as a proving ground for champion racehorses targeting the Group 1 and 2 categories.

Listed races: Though categorized under Class 1, listed races rank below group-level races. These events attract emerging and lower-rated horses aiming to advance their careers and improve their ratings.

Class 2–7 races

In the highest level of horse racing, horses are assigned an official handicap based on their ability. The handicap, which is the weight a horse must carry, is used to even out the competition. Each handicap corresponds to a specific class. A horse's weight assignment considers its age, gender and recent performances. These races are categorized into seven distinct classes:

• Class 1: Listed handicap races for horses with ratings over 96.
• Class 2: Handicaps for horses rated between 86 and 110, including Heritage Handicap races.
• Class 3: Handicap races for horses between 76 and 95.
• Class 4: Handicap races for horses rated between 66 and 85.
• Class 5: Handicap races for horses between 56 and 75.
• Class 6: Handicaps for horses rated between 46 and 65.
• Class 7: Handicaps for horses rated 0–45.

National hunt or jump racing classification

Just like flat racing, jump racing is also divided into classes or quality bands. Class 1 refers to the highest quality horses, while Class 6 denotes the lowest. Here's a brief overview of the race types in each class.

• Class 1: These consist of pattern and listed races. Like in flat racing, they are divided into Grades 1, 2 and 3.
• Class 2: Class 2 are open races, with handicaps ranging from zero to over 140.
• Class 3: These races are open to horses rated up to 120 or 135.
• Class 4: These races are open to novice horses with a handicap of up to 100 or 115.
• Class 5: Novice handicaps ranging from zero up to 85 or 95.
• Class 6: This class consists of National Hunt races like the National Hunt flat races and hunter chase events.

Horse racing venues

Horse racing venues are often informally categorized by the level of competition they offer. The following lists tracks around the world, divided into five different categories.