What Does Handicap Mean in Horse Racing: Understanding the Handicapping System
The handicap rating system compels horses to carry more or less additional weight, depending on their rating. Ratings are assigned by official handicappers based on a horse's past performance and the goal is to equalise competition. If you are wondering what is a handicap in horse racing, read on.
What is a Handicap in a Horse Race?
Handicapping can trace its origins to 18th century Britain, when horse racing was transforming from the exclusive pastime of aristocrats to something more widespread. It soon became obvious, however, that some horses were just better than others when it came to racing, and so handicapping was introduced to level the field and retain spectator interest. In the mid-19th century, the first official handicapper was appointed by the English Jockey Club. Today there are 11 official handicappers working in Britain.
How Does Horse Racing Handicapping Work?
At the end of each handicap race, a handicapper assesses the performance of the horses involved. They'll look at the level of competition, race distance, track conditions, speed figures and finishing positions. They then decide to increase a horse's rating, decrease a horse's rating or leave it where it is. The rating will determine how much weight the horse carries in their next race.
A horse's connection can appeal a rating by contacting the relevant handicapper who will review the rating. If the handicapper concludes their rating is correct, the connection can complete a handicapping appeal form requesting an independent review. Ultimately, the decision to keep or change the rating is up to the Handicapping Ombudsman of the BHA, whose decision is final.
Types of Handicap Races
The main types of handicap races in the UK are as follows:
- Flat handicaps: Run on level ground with no obstacles. There are 6 classes of flat handicaps with class 1 being the highest and including listed races and heritage handicaps.
- Jump (national hunt) handicaps: Horses are required to clear numerous hurdles over a long course. Jump handicaps are divided into 5 class levels with class 1 featuring the top-rated horses.
- Nursery handicaps: Nursery handicaps are run on the flat and reserved for 2-year-olds.
- Apprentice and amateur handicaps: For less experienced jockeys who are provided weight allowances designed to counterbalance their less developed skills.
- Conditional handicaps: Jump racing that features apprentice riders who are given weight allowances to balance their inexperience.
- Seller races and claiming races: At the end of these handicap races owners have the option to sell their horses.
How Are Handicap Ratings Determined?
Handicap ratings are reassessed after every handicap race with some horses retaining their current rating, others gaining a rating boost and others seeing their rating decrease.
The handicap eligibility rating scale extends from 0 - 140+. In flat racing, a horse with a rating of 0 -60 is considered to have modest abilities. A rating of 76 - 90 indicates average abilities. While a 106+ rating can qualify a horse for pattern class racing.
For national hunt racing a rating of 0 - 100 is considered a low-grade jumper, a rating of 101 - 120 indicates a talented horse and 140+ is reserved for top-class horses.
All handicap races use rating bands (rating ranges) to ensure only horses of similar abilities race each other. The goal being fair competition. Different classes of race use different rating bands:
- Class 1 - Rating band of 96-110+.
- Class 2 - Rating bands of 86-100, 91-105 and 96-110.
- Class 3 - Rating bands of 76-90 and 81-95.
- Class 4 - Rating band of 66-80.
- Class 5, 6 and 7 are reserved for horses with a rating from 0-75.
Genuinely talented horses will progress upwards through the rating bands as their career progresses.
Entry Requirements for Handicap Races
As a general rule, these are common entry requirements for handicap races.
- The rating band: All horses participating must have a rating within the given band.
- Age restrictions: Some races are for 2-year-olds only, others for 3 or 4-year-olds and up.
- Past performances: A horse with many wins may be excluded from some races to ensure fair competition.
- Horse racing weights: Higher-rated horses carry more weight, lower-rated horses carry less.
How do horses obtain their initial handicap rating?
- A horse must run 3 races on the flat in order to qualify for a flats rating.
- Horses need to run 3 times over hurdles to earn a rating over jumps.
- Handicappers may assign a separate handicap rating for different surfaces if a horse is demonstrably better on, say, all-weather compared to turf.
Strategy in Handicap Racing
A typical handicap race strategy focuses on ensuring a horse competes in events where it has the best chance of winning. This is done by matching the horse's current rating to races within the appropriate rating band, then looking for races suited to the horse's preferences regarding distance and conditions. Adequate recovery time must also be scheduled between races. While prize money is important, there must be a balance between chasing purses and chasing a better rating.
Famous Handicap Races
Top handicap races attract the best fields and offer substantial prize money and prestige for winners. Some of the most famous handicap races include:
- The Ebor Handicap held at York is one of the most famous flat handicap races. Its distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs attracts top stayers. The race is open to horses 4 years and older, has a maximum field of 22 and a first prize of £300,000.
- The Grand National at Aintree is famous for testing the stamina of entries who must jump a total of 16 fences over 4 miles, 2.5 furlongs. The maximum field size is 34 and the winner pockets a tidy £500,000.
- The historic Cesarewitch Handicap held at Newmarket, is 2 miles, 2 furlongs in length. The race is known for its competitiveness and its large fields. First place pockets £90,000.
- The Wokingham Stakes is run on the last day of Royal Ascot. This is a class 2 heritage handicap comprising 6 furlongs on the straight. Maximum field is 30 and £109,000 is awarded the winner.
How Do You Read Handicap Information?
The following guide should help you make informed wagers on handicap races.
Step 1: Determine the horse's current handicap rating. This is a number normally listed beside the horse's name on the race card. The rating will determine how much weight the horse will be assigned.
Step 2: Look at the horse's recent form. This is indicated by their finishing position in recent races. This will suggest whether the horse is currently in form or is underperforming.
Step 3: Research track conditions. That includes the type of surface, the distance and whether the track will be fast or muddy at post time. Also, look for jockey and trainer form on the track.
The following is a partial list of abbreviations used in relation to handicap entries.
- App - apprentice
- Ch - chase
- Cls - Class
- Cond - NH conditional
- Gd - Grade 1,2 or 3 (Jumps)
- Gp - Group 1, 2 or 3 (Flat)
- Hur - hurdle
Going conditions
- f or fm - firm
- hd - hard
- hy or hvy - heavy
- s or sft - soft
- yld - yielding
Handicap Racing vs Other Race Types
To the inexperienced a horse race is a horse race. But there are actually several different kinds of horse racing, including:
Maiden races
Maiden racing is reserved for young horses that have never won. The advantages of maiden racing include large fields and exciting finishes. The disadvantages include unpredictable performance making betting an iffy proposition.
Handicap racing
Horses carry different weights based on the rating the official handicapper assigns them. The advantages of handicap racing include fair competition and a more exciting experience. The disadvantages include outstanding horses being compelled to carry more weight, which masks their true abilities.
Conditions racing
Weights are assigned based on characteristics such as age, sex and record. The advantages of conditions racing include outstanding horses being able to be themselves and the chance to spot emerging talent. The disadvantages include races that may be less competitive.
Group races (pattern races)
Group racing constitutes top-level racing and is reserved for the best horses carrying fixed weights. The advantages of group racing are the ability to see the best horses and the prestige and outsized prize money that comes with winning. The disadvantages include few opportunities for lower-tier horses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Handicapping
What is a handicap race in horse racing?
A handicap race is a race where horses have been assigned a rating which determines how much additional weight that will need to carry. The goal is to ensure fair competition.
Handicap vs conditions races: What is the difference?
A conditions race sets weights based on factors such as age, sex and past wins and does not take into account ability. By contrast, a handicap race sets weights based largely on ability and is thought by many to create a more competitive race.
How often are handicap ratings updated?
Handicap ratings are adjusted after every race a horse participates in based on factors including finishing position, margin, race quality and more.
Can a horse's handicap rating go down?
Yes, if the horse shows signs of losing form. It is unlikely to go down much based on a single outcome, but if, over several races the horse consistently underperforms, a ratings decrease is inevitable.
What happens if a horse wins a handicap race?
When a horse wins a handicap race it will enjoy a boost in its overall rating. While that's a good thing, it also means that in future handicap races the horse will have to carry more weight.
How do apprentice jockeys affect handicap races?
An apprentice jockey is given a weight allowance to compensate for their lack of experience. The typical weight allowance for an apprentice jockey is 3 - 7 pounds. If a jockey shows progress, the weight will be gradually reduced.
What is a good handicap mark for a racehorse?
What constitutes a "good" handicap depends on the level of racing. For instance, in flat racing a rating of 80-90% is considered good. For National Hunt a good rating would be in the area of 120-140.