In horse racing, a handicap refers to additional weight that is allocated to a particular entrant. This is done in an attempt to make the race fair and more interesting for spectators. It also adds another layer of strategy and research that can be performed by those who wish to bet on horse racing.
The better the horse is, the greater the handicap. Each handicap is shown as a rating, which then correlates to added weight, based on the race and other runners. Naturally, this means if two or more horses have the same handicap rating, an identical weight will be added to each. The handicap not only shows the horse’s ability, it also gives an indicator as to which races it can enter.
In each handicap race, the term ‘top weight’ is used to refer to the horse that must carry the most additional weight. Of course, this also means that it has the most ability. Think of it this way, if the ‘top weight’ horse has a handicap of 70, a horse with a rating of 68 carries two pounds less. In simpler terms, for every score point a horse is under the ‘top weight’, it carries a pound less.
Difference Between A Handicap and Non-Handicap Race
In a handicap race, all horses will have extra weight to carry, based on their ability (Also known as their handicap rating). Adversely, in a non-handicap race, no extra weight will be applied.
This means that generally, non-handicap racers are easier to predict, as the horse with the most ability will often finish first. Because of this, the favourite in non-handicap horse races will typically have much shorter odds than the favourite in a handicap race.
An Example of Handicap Horse Racing
One of the most famous horse races in the world, the Aintree Grand National, is a handicap race. However, this race is so prestigious, that each runner is handicapped specifically for this one event.
Their existing handicap may be adjusted to consider the tough fences and required stamina levels. In almost all cases, if the handicap of a horse is changed, it will be decreased, meaning that less additional weight will be required.
Where Does The Weight Go On A Horse?
So, where is this additional weight placed? Well, the first element of extra weight is the jockeys themselves, alongside the total weight of their equipment. Should a greater handicap be needed, lead weights will then be strapped to the saddle of the horse.
How Does A Horse Get A Handicap Mark?
The process of getting a handicap mark (The first handicap rating) for most horses is relatively straightforward. It involves taking the best performance rating after three runs. However, adjustments can be made if:
- The horse has recently been injured or hasn’t run for a long period.
- If the highest performance rating seems unreliable or unsustainable for the horse.
- If the highest performance rating was given in an accurate way. This could include the horse winning easily, however, the race was run slow.
For example, if the top performance score of a horse is 65 across three races, the same number will likely become their handicap unless any of the points mentioned above apply. There are also flat turf, all-weather, and over-jump handicaps, which are calculated in a similar way.
Now, it’s also possible for a horse to receive a handicap by winning a race. If it beats a horse with a handicap rating of 70, the winning runner will be given a higher handicap mark. This is often calculated based on the distance on the win, in which one length equals one added pound of weight. It also means that the handicap mark will be increased by 1 for every length in the margin of victory.
How Does A Horse’s Handicap Mark Change?
The handicap of a horse will likely change many times throughout its career. It’s always being adjusted by handicappers to keep races fair, balanced, and entertaining for spectators.
Handicaps are adjusted by the BHA (The British Horseracing Authority), with reviews happening every week. Changes can come about for a number of reasons, which include:
- The horse won a race
- The horse struggled in a race
- Competitors that ran against the horse previously have had a decrease or increase in handicap
- The horse has been injured
- The horse hasn’t run in a long time (This could be 1 or more seasons without being submitted to race)
How Do You Pick A Handicap Winner?
In a nutshell, picking a handicap winner involves selecting a horse that is better than the handicapper has determined them to be. The goal of the handicapper is to make all horses finish at exactly the same time by applying a rating and consequently, additional weight to each.
This is obviously not feasible and has never happened in the history of horse racing, as perfectly assessing a horse is almost impossible.
Due to this, punters can pick horses that they think will outperform the expectations of the handicapper. This is often done with diligent research, looking at different areas of the horse itself:
- Recent form of the horse
- What conditions favour the horse
- What sort of tracks the horse will excel across
The handicap can also work in an opposite way, too, with handicappers applying too much
weight to the horse. This is why so many punters will analyse every horse in a handicapped race, in an attempt to find any outliers.
Here at BetVictor NZ, we share a selection of horse racing betting tips over on our helpful blog. We also explain different elements of horse racing and offer a huge range of statistics that punters can use to their advantage.
For anyone who is looking to bet on horse racing, we’ve also got you covered. BetVictor NZ covers all of the biggest races from around the world, offering an extensive range of markets. You can also follow the action live on our betting page, with regular updates from each race!
