Can you explain 'claiming price'?

The claiming price is the set amount for which any horse in the race can be purchased (claimed). It is declared when the horse is entered and determines the level of competition.

Who can claim a horse in a claiming race?

Typically, any owner licensed with the racing authority who has a runner in that race or another race on the same card, or sometimes any licensed owner, depending on the jurisdiction's rules.

What happens if a horse is claimed?

The horse changes ownership immediately after the race. The new owner takes possession, and the previous owner receives the claiming price. The horse runs for its original owner in that specific race.

Is 'claiming race' common in other sports?

No, it is a unique concept and term specific to horse racing. No direct equivalent exists in mainstream team or individual sports.

Is “claiming race” formal?

Claiming race is usually specialized/technical in register.

How do you pronounce “claiming race”?

Claiming race: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkleɪmɪŋ ˌreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkleɪmɪŋ ˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

claiming race: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Rare

UK/ˈkleɪmɪŋ ˌreɪs/US/ˈkleɪmɪŋ ˌreɪs/

Specialized/Technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “claiming race” mean?

A horse race in which every horse entered is for sale at a predetermined price (the claiming price).

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A horse race in which every horse entered is for sale at a predetermined price (the claiming price).

A specific type of horse racing competition designed to create a level playing field by allowing horses to be purchased (claimed) by other licensed owners before the race. The system aims to ensure horses of similar ability and value compete against each other.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The concept and term are identical and standard in both racing industries (UK, US, Ireland, etc.). There is no linguistic difference, only potential minor differences in the detailed rules of claiming between different national racing authorities.

Connotations

Neutral technical term within the sport. Associated with the more everyday, workmanlike tier of racing, as opposed to prestigious stakes races. Often where younger horses find their level or older horses compete.

Frequency

Equally frequent in horse racing contexts in both the UK and US. Virtually unknown outside of horse racing and gambling circles.

Grammar

How to Use “claiming race” in a Sentence

The [ADJECTIVE] claiming race at [PLACE]A claiming race for [PRICE]To have a horse entered in a claiming race

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

enter a claiming racerun in a claiming racea £20,000 claiming racewin a claiming racethe claiming price

medium

horse in a claiming raceconditions of the claiming racecheap claiming racemaiden claiming race

weak

competitive claiming raceweekly claiming racefinal claiming race

Examples

Examples of “claiming race” in a Sentence

verb

British English

[Not applicable as a verb phrase]

American English

[Not applicable as a verb phrase]

adverb

British English

[Not applicable]

American English

[Not applicable]

adjective

British English

The claiming-race conditions were posted.
He is a claiming-race specialist.

American English

She entered her horse in a claiming race event.
A claiming-race trainer.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

[Not applicable outside of horse racing business]

Academic

Potentially used in academic papers on equine sports economics or the sociology of horse racing.

Everyday

Almost never used in everyday conversation unless discussing horse racing.

Technical

Core technical term in horse racing, used in race conditions, entries, and official documentation.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “claiming race”

Strong

claimer race

Neutral

claimerclaiming event

Weak

sale raceoptional claiming race

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “claiming race”

stakes raceconditions racelisted racegroup racegraded stakes racemaiden special weight

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “claiming race”

Using 'claim race' (omitting '-ing').
Confusing it with a 'claiming stake' (a different, less common type).
Pronouncing 'claiming' as one with the noun ('claimingrace').
Using it as a verb phrase, e.g., 'He is claiming race' (incorrect).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: The claiming price is the set amount for which any horse in the race can be purchased (claimed). It is declared when the horse is entered and determines the level of competition.
: Typically, any owner licensed with the racing authority who has a runner in that race or another race on the same card, or sometimes any licensed owner, depending on the jurisdiction's rules.
: The horse changes ownership immediately after the race. The new owner takes possession, and the previous owner receives the claiming price. The horse runs for its original owner in that specific race.
: No, it is a unique concept and term specific to horse racing. No direct equivalent exists in mainstream team or individual sports.
: A horse race in which every horse entered is for sale at a predetermined price (the claiming price).
: Claiming race is usually specialized/technical in register.
: Claiming race: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkleɪmɪŋ ˌreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkleɪmɪŋ ˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[None specific to this term]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a race where every horse has a price tag. If you 'CLAIM' the price, you can buy the horse. It's a CLAIMING RACE.

Conceptual Metaphor

AUTOMOTIVE MARKET: The race is like a live auction or dealership lot where the vehicles (horses) are demonstrated (raced) while being openly for sale.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In a , any licensed owner can purchase any of the runners for a pre-set price before the start.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of a claiming race?