There are a variety of race categories for which your horse may qualify according to the eligibility rules.

Eligibility is based on Age, Sex, Grade, Wins, Non-wins and Non-places. Non-wins is the number of times run since last winning a race. Non-places is the number of times run since last winning stakes with a place or win result.

Horses are subject to a Grading process which ensures that horses compete in races that are more relevant to their specific racing ability. Grading takes place once a horse has trained over 90%+ fitness for the first time and is based on a combination of the following factors:

Grade 1 races provide the highest level of racing at any racetrack. The best horses usually compete in these stakes and handicap races. The ultimate Grade 1 races are the Challenge Qualifier races that culminate in the season end Challenge Finals. These races are usually run for higher stakes and also attract higher nomination fees.

Grade 2 races are generally contested by horses that would not ordinarily be competitive in a Grade 1 race. There are numerous races at this level that are contested by horses of various calibres. These include stakes races that are run for lower stakes but also attract lower nomination fees than Grade 1 races.

A variety of non-graded races are also programmed which allow owners to enter both their Grade 1 and Grade 2 horses. Non-graded races include Claiming Races which allow owners to put up their horses for sale. These races generally cater for the lower calibre horses within each grade, although some high stakes claiming races are also programmed that can attract some very good horses.

An owners skill in assessing a horses capability and nominating for the best possible race will ultimately determine the success of his or her stable.