What Is A Pattern Race?

If you’re a fan of horseracing, you’ve probably heard the term ‘pattern race’ thrown about.

It is one of the most highly competitive group of horse races internationally and commands the most media attention on a global scale.

So, what actually are pattern races?

Pattern races are also referred to as Group races in Europe or Graded Stake Races in North America, and they are the highest possible level of races in Thoroughbred horseracing. They involve each race being assigned a grade (1-3) so as to identify the most competitive races for promotional or breeding purposes.

In this article we’ll explore the concept of a pattern race, discussing the rules, reasoning behind the name, how they affect breeding, why they were started in the first place, and some examples of famous pattern events.

If these topics are of interest to you, read on to gather all of the relevant information to determine what a pattern race is!

What are the rules of pattern races?

In the US, pattern races are referred to as ‘Graded Stakes Races’.

These work along a similar grading system to the European patterns – Grades 1, 2 and 3.

The races are graded based on a variety of criteria (discussed in a later section) and it is also possible for them to be downgraded if, for example, the field or quality has declined, or upgraded for the opposite reason.

For example, The Hopeful Stakes was downgraded to a grade 2 race in 2012, but was upgraded again the following year.

This is a common occurrence with pattern grading.

However, the North American pattern system differs slightly in that handicap races are allowed to be included within the US pattern grading system, with a few known handicap races being graded in the upper grouping (1).

Once graded, the higher classes of groupings (grades 1 and 2) are typically the bigger and higher stakes races that are run by horses within the same group.

Groups are usually divided by age and sex and can be further divided by weight and conditions.

It is worth noting that races that exclusively involve horses bred in a particular state or country are not eligible to be graded in stakes (pattern) races, even if they meet the required quality standard.

We will discuss the criteria involved in the grading process in the following section.

What are the grading criteria for pattern races?

In the US, the following criteria is used to decide if a Stakes race is suitable for grading:

Must have a purse of at least $100,000 for grade 3, at least $200,000 for grade 2, and at least $300,000 for grade 1.

Race must have been run under exact replicated conditions for 2 consecutive years prior.

Must be restricted by age and sex e.g., fillies aged 3.

Drug tests are mandatory and subject to strict conditions.

Why are they called stakes races?

As mentioned, pattern races are called stakes races in North America.

This name is thought to come from the fact that they require owners to pay a set entry fee (or a stake) which then goes on to contribute towards the prize money for the winners.

How do pattern races influence breeding?

 The pattern system of horseracing has a significant impact on the controlled breeding of racehorses.

Due to the highly competitive nature of the sport and the fact that only the most elite and talented horses make it to the patterns, the stud fee that a pattern racehorse can command once retired is high.

For example, a highly successful stallion can generate upwards of $100,000 for breeding purposes (stud fees) due to their sought after genetics.

Why were pattern races started?

Pattern races were started in the 1970s in Europe as a way of avoiding clashes in the European racing calendar.

It was essentially a means for European racing countries to work together to create a unified racing system that ensured the quality of elite races remained undiluted.

Pattern races are divided into 3 separate groupings or grades – group 1, group 2, and group 3.

Group 1 is the highest possible grade in the contest, followed by group 2 and 3 respectively.

Examples of pattern races in the US

 Having discussed the rules of pattern races and what they actually involve, it is worth exploring some examples of these types of races as they are potentially the most iconic and famous races within horseracing.

Prime examples of pattern races that exist within the North American system are the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup races.

The Kentucky Derby is an elite race for horses aged 3 years only, and the Breeders’ Cup is for horses aged 2.

Other similar examples of pattern races outside of the United States are the European Derby, Irish Derby, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Melbourne Cup.

These are all iconic tournaments which allow winners to be regarded highly as exceptionally talented horses.

Pattern race winners are sometimes branded as ‘Black Type’ winners because their names have historically been printed in sales catalogues in bold black type.

In conclusion, pattern races – also known as graded stakes races in the US – are a series of graded thoroughbred horse races in which the most elite racehorses compete.

In this article we’ve discussed the rules involved in pattern races, specifically in the US.

It was found that the rules do not differ much internationally, except for the fact that some handicap races are counted within the American pattern system and that certain criteria applies.

We found that pattern racing has significantly influenced breeding and the cost of bloodstock due to generating monetary value from the DNA of sought-after racehorses, with some stud fees costing upwards of $100,000.

We then discussed some examples of famous, well-known pattern races, with the most high profile North American examples being the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup.

Examples of European ones include the likes of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.