What are maiden and novice races?
Horse racing features two distinct types of horses that compete against each other: mares and novices, known as "éguas" and "noviças," respectively. In simple terms, mares are animals that have not yet won a race, whereas novices are female horses that have not yet had reproductive experience.
| Class | Maiden | Novice |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A horse that never won a race | A female horse without reproductive experience, with no more than two victories and no victory in Flat races |
| Race Classification | Class 1 if have more than one victory at Grade 1 level | Class 2 based on race rules |
Goals, environment, and rules
Maiden and novice races have distinct goals and guidelines reflecting their nature and purpose. Maiden races focus on a challenging yet friendly competition while ensuring equal opportunities for competing horses. Novice races provide fair competition among qualified for horses according to pre-established rules.
Consistent adherence to clearly-defined rules ensures fair competition for all.
