What is Novice Auction? Novice Auction Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
19/04/2026
What is a Novice Auction?
A novice auction is similar to a median auction race in that the same stallion and sales price conditions apply. However, the key difference is that horses can take part having won up to two flat races. Both types of races are linked to the specified sales that take place in Europe and North America. The purpose of this type of race is to provide opportunities for horses whose stallion did nor have expensive yearlings at the sales. Weatherbys compile and publish weights for these races.
How is Novice Auction used in Sports Betting?
Novice auction races are part of the structure for inexperienced young flat horses that have not won a race or more than two races. A maiden is for horses that have never won and a rated maiden restricts horses that have run three times or more. A novice race is open to horses aged two that have not won twice or more. Auction maiden races are linked to the median price of their stallion’s progeny.
Novice auction races are part of the structure for novices in flat and jump racing. Novice races are specifically for horses who have not won a race. A novice in national hunt racing is defined as a horse who has not won a hurdle race or chase at the start of the current season. In flat racing horses that have already won two races are not eligible for any type of novice race. These horses graduate to stakes races or handicaps, which are known as nurseries for horses aged two.
Did you know…
Unlike novice flat races, maidens are only open to non-winners and they are run under a variety of distances and conditions based on the gender of the horse.
