Post by Shelly on Oct 24, 2009 10:29:57 GMT -5
Welcome to the Allsim Steeplechase Association, as referred to as the ASA. Steeplechase is a form of racing in which horses will race over hurdle fences or timber fences at vary distances. Steeplechase is also known as "hunt racing" in Britain and is highlighted in Britain by the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Grand National, and several other famous races. In the States, Steeplechase is primarily conducted on the East Coast with meets such as the Carolina Cup, Maryland Hunt Cup, and the Virgina Gold Cup in the spring.
History
It was thought to be said that the first race came around from a wager between two gentlemen. One dared the other to race with him cross-country, from one steeple to the next, jumping anything they come across. This is the believed beginning to steeplechase racing.
During the eighteenth century, races between church steeples became a popular pastime in Ireland, where the sport originated from. As the sport grew, so did it's popularity in foreign countries. In 1830, the first "official" steeplechase was conducted in England. The four mile race was won in sixteen minutes and twenty five seconds on a horse named "The Wonder".
Steeplechasing Today
As previously mentioned, Steeplechase is popular on the east coast of the States and in Britain, Ireland, and some other European countries. Different variations of Steeplechasing exist among these countries. For example, in the States, races are either hurdle races, which are over National Fences, or timber races, which are over timber fences.
Thomas Hitchcock is known as the founder of Steeplechasing in the States. In the late 1800s he built a large training facilities and racecourse in South Carolina. This was the start for the sport in America, with imported horses from England. In the 1920s and 1930s, F. Ambrose Clark established his own Steeplechase circuit 45 miles from Washington, DC.
The ASA
The Allsim Steeplechase Association is based majorly off the National Steeplechase Association, the body that governs the States Steeplechasing circuits. Some of the foreign races, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, have been worked into the schedule of events.
Race Types
Hurdle races are held over National Fences while Timber races are held over Timber; this is the form that is conducted in the States.
Maiden races are for horses that have never ran before.
Allowance races are open to any horse.
Graded races are prestige races.
Novice races are open to horses that have not won the past two weeks
Sport of King races are open to colts, stallions, and geldings, only.
Sport of Queen races are open to fillies and mares, only.
Training Flat races are open to three year olds and up that have never competed over fences. These are not flat races for non-Steeplechasers.
Three Year Old races are the only races three year olds should be running in. Horses must be at least four years of age before starting over fences in open races.
Race Purse Breakdown
This is the standard ASA Race Purse Breakdown; it does not change for fewer entries.
Win - 60%
Place - 20%
Show - 10%
4th - 8%
5th - 2%
Disqualification Reasons
Any horse that has been consistently shown on the flat and over fences will be disqualified from their races; this is not conducted in real life and therefore should not be conducted in SIM.
Horses that are the wrong age or gender will be disqualified from races; please ensure you understand the types of races and the age guidelines.
Two and Three Year Olds will be disqualified from races, if caught entering. Three Year Olds may only enter the regulated Three Year Old races and limited Maiden races.
ASA Off Season Training Races
As you can see by our Calendar of Events, we have an off season stretching from December to February. With no races for nearly three months, that may turn some people off. So, the ASA is creating what we call Training Races.
There are three types of these Training Races that the ASA will sponsor:
Type A, Three Year Old Prep These will be a miniature version of steeplechase and a larger version of Pony Steeplechase where the three year olds are evaluated over low jumps on a grass course.
Type B, Hurdle Race A mile and a quarter hurdle race over eight jumps. These are designed to keep the hurdle 'chasers occupied.
Type C, Timber Race A mile and a half timber race over nine jumps. These are designed to keep the timber 'chasers occupied.
And there will be sponsored training flat races for three year olds and up at the same time.
History
It was thought to be said that the first race came around from a wager between two gentlemen. One dared the other to race with him cross-country, from one steeple to the next, jumping anything they come across. This is the believed beginning to steeplechase racing.
During the eighteenth century, races between church steeples became a popular pastime in Ireland, where the sport originated from. As the sport grew, so did it's popularity in foreign countries. In 1830, the first "official" steeplechase was conducted in England. The four mile race was won in sixteen minutes and twenty five seconds on a horse named "The Wonder".
Steeplechasing Today
As previously mentioned, Steeplechase is popular on the east coast of the States and in Britain, Ireland, and some other European countries. Different variations of Steeplechasing exist among these countries. For example, in the States, races are either hurdle races, which are over National Fences, or timber races, which are over timber fences.
Thomas Hitchcock is known as the founder of Steeplechasing in the States. In the late 1800s he built a large training facilities and racecourse in South Carolina. This was the start for the sport in America, with imported horses from England. In the 1920s and 1930s, F. Ambrose Clark established his own Steeplechase circuit 45 miles from Washington, DC.
The ASA
The Allsim Steeplechase Association is based majorly off the National Steeplechase Association, the body that governs the States Steeplechasing circuits. Some of the foreign races, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, have been worked into the schedule of events.
Race Types
Hurdle races are held over National Fences while Timber races are held over Timber; this is the form that is conducted in the States.
Maiden races are for horses that have never ran before.
Allowance races are open to any horse.
Graded races are prestige races.
Novice races are open to horses that have not won the past two weeks
Sport of King races are open to colts, stallions, and geldings, only.
Sport of Queen races are open to fillies and mares, only.
Training Flat races are open to three year olds and up that have never competed over fences. These are not flat races for non-Steeplechasers.
Three Year Old races are the only races three year olds should be running in. Horses must be at least four years of age before starting over fences in open races.
Race Purse Breakdown
This is the standard ASA Race Purse Breakdown; it does not change for fewer entries.
Win - 60%
Place - 20%
Show - 10%
4th - 8%
5th - 2%
Disqualification Reasons
Any horse that has been consistently shown on the flat and over fences will be disqualified from their races; this is not conducted in real life and therefore should not be conducted in SIM.
Horses that are the wrong age or gender will be disqualified from races; please ensure you understand the types of races and the age guidelines.
Two and Three Year Olds will be disqualified from races, if caught entering. Three Year Olds may only enter the regulated Three Year Old races and limited Maiden races.
ASA Off Season Training Races
As you can see by our Calendar of Events, we have an off season stretching from December to February. With no races for nearly three months, that may turn some people off. So, the ASA is creating what we call Training Races.
There are three types of these Training Races that the ASA will sponsor:
Type A, Three Year Old Prep These will be a miniature version of steeplechase and a larger version of Pony Steeplechase where the three year olds are evaluated over low jumps on a grass course.
Type B, Hurdle Race A mile and a quarter hurdle race over eight jumps. These are designed to keep the hurdle 'chasers occupied.
Type C, Timber Race A mile and a half timber race over nine jumps. These are designed to keep the timber 'chasers occupied.
And there will be sponsored training flat races for three year olds and up at the same time.