Races in Photo Finish Live can be one of a number of different types. A race's type determines how competitive it will be as well as whether any special rules will be in effect,

The Race Grades are:

This list is in order of competition level. More competitive races often have more entrants and bigger purses. Some race types also have special rules.

A Claiming Race is a special race in which the horses running may be purchased before the race begins. These are the lowest tier of race as they are meant for horses the owners do not feel confident in.

All horses in a Claiming Race are purchasable for an amount listed before the race. If a horse is purchased in a claiming race, the New Owner receives any prizes won during that race.

Occasionally, other Race Types can be Claiming Races. If they are, they will be clearly marked.

A Maiden Race is a special race that only accepts horses that have never won a race before. It is often the first step towards discovering the next big champion.

An Allowance Race is a special type of race where horses are given additional weight to carry.  Each pound of weight slows a horse down.  However, not all horses get the same weight. The race designated a base weight, and then certain horses are "allowed" to carry less if they meet special criteria. Taking advantage of Allowances that favor your horse is a great way to get an edge.

Juvenile races are not considered a a special race type. However, if you see this term around, it refers to special races that are exclusively available to 2 year old horses. These races are particularly cheap and exist to help owners test and appraise young colts and fillies before the big racing season at age 3.

In Handicap races (of any tier) horses are given additional weight to help level the playing field. Each pound of weight slows a horse down. Weights are given based on the horses grade, so higher grade horses are penalized more heavily. This creates a much closer competition even among horses of different grades.