In order to race in the prestigious Kentucky Derby and compete for the rare Triple Crown of horse racing, a horse’s owner must first bring it up through qualifying competitions to reach the top racing events and tracks. The first level at which a horse competes is the Maiden Race, the most basic level of horse racing, run at tracks across the nation. Maiden races give a horse its first opportunity to win and put money in its owner’s pocket. There are various levels of Maiden Races, with Maiden Special Weight Races serving as the top circuit for horses in the Maiden class. When a horse wins a Maiden Special Weight Race, it qualifies for the next level of racing. Horses that do not win a Special Weight Race can still compete in other Maiden Races and eventually qualify for the next level.