steeplechase

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstiːp(ə)ltʃeɪs/

noun

  • a horse race run on a racecourse having ditches and hedges as jumps: the horse had all the attributes to win her the greatest steeplechase in the calendar [mass noun]: the breed is used for flat racing as opposed to harness racing or steeplechase [as modifier]: steeplechase champion
  • a running race in which runners must clear hurdles and water jumps: he will run his first international steeplechase in America

Derivatives

steeplechaser

noun

steeplechasing

noun

Origin:

late 18th century: from steeple (because originally a steeple marked the finishing point across country) + chase1