2.1 Weights Raised or Weights Lowered and Actual Weights
2.2 Lowering of Rating Related Weights in Handicap Races
2.3 Weights In Handicap races at BTC, MRC and RCTC
2.4 Weights in Handicap Races at RWITC
2.5 Weights in Handicap Races at HRC
Weights Raised or Weights Lowered and Actual Weights
A handicap race is a race in which the Handicapper on receipt of entries for a handicap race adjusts the rating related weights of the horses weighted as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights, for the purpose of equalizing the winning chances of all horses.
The adjusted weights so assigned in a handicap race depends upon the lowest top weight and the lowest bottom weight that may be allotted in each race as is specified in the rules of racing in order to maintain the weight differentials between the horses as per their rating on a constant scale of rating related weights. It is a transparent process and there is no secret about it.
Horses are generally assigned the weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights on receipt of entries for a handicap race and if the weight of the top entry horse as related to its individual ratings in a rating related class on the constant scale of rating related weights is less than the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised to the lowest minimum top weight so specified and then the weights of all other horses entered for that race are raised relatively at the handicap stage.
And at the acceptance stage with such assigned weights, if the weight of the top acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised again to that lowest top weight so specified and then the weights of all other horses down the line are raised relatively while the weights of all horses weighted below the lowest minimum bottom weight are raised to the lowest minimum bottom weight so specified in the rules of racing.
It is so because the weights of all horses entered in a handicap race must be declared as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights irrespective of a horse being weighted in that race or any other race or not until it runs in a race.
And the so assigned rating related weights on a constant scale of rating related weights can only be raised to meet the criteria of the lowest minimum top weight in a handicap race and can never ever be lowered at any stage of handicapping by lateral dropping of weights tilting the bench mark weights in a given constant scale of rating related weights for the benefit of some of the horses or for any other reasons.
Yet, some handicappers may assign the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing to the highest rated horse entered for that race even if its own rating related weight is higher than the lowest minimum top weight on a constant scale of rating related weights and lower the rating related weights of all horses relatively down the line even if the rating related weight of the lowest rated horse from that class entered in that race goes down below the specified lowest minimum bottom weight and thus may lighten the burden of the rating related weights on all horses in a handicap race with a top to down spring scale.
Thereafter, assign the lowest minimum bottom weight specified in the rules of racing to the lowest weighted horse from that class so weighted, if the rating related weight of the lowest weighted horse so weighted be less than the lowest minimum bottom weight specified in the rules of racing and then raise the weights of all other horses relatively even if the weight of the highest rated horse so raised is higher than the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing at the handicap stage.
And at the acceptance stage with such assigned weights, should the weight of the top acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race be less than the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing, the same is raised again to that lowest minimum top weight so specified. And then the weights of all other horses down the line are raised relatively in that event while the weights of all horses so weighted below the lowest minimum bottom weight are raised to the lowest minimum bottom weight so specified in the rules of racing.
Yet a few other Handicappers opt for the down to top spring scale by assigning the lowest bottom weight specified in the rules of racing to the lowest rated horse from that class entered in that race even if the weight of that horse as related to its own individual ratings on the constant scale of rating related weights is higher than that lowest bottom weight specified in the rules of racing and then lower the rating related weights of all other horses up in the ladder relatively even if the rating related weight of the highest rated horse entered in that horse goes down below the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing on a constant scale of rating related weights so designed
Thereafter if the weight of the lowest rated horse from that class so weighted on the constant scale of rating related weights so designed is less than the lowest minimum bottom weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised to the specified lowest minimum bottom weight at the handicap stage even if its own ratings related weights on a constant scale of rating related weights is less than the specified lowest minimum bottom weight and then the weights of all other horses entered in that race are raised relatively even if the weight of the top entry horse so weighted is raised beyond the specified lowest minimum top weight in the rules of racing.
Then if the weight of the top entry horse so assigned is less than the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised to the so specified lowest minimum top weight and the weights of all other horses weighted down the line are raised relatively at the handicap stage.
And at the acceptance stage, with such assigned weights if the weight of the top acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised again to that lowest top weight so specified and then the weights of all other horses are raised relatively in that event.
Most Handicappers, as a measure to ensure a transparent process, indicate in the handicaps, acceptances, final declarations and the race cards the handicap ratings of all the horses along with the actual weights assigned to them and if the so assigned weights of the horses have been raised or lowered in that event they indicate the number of kilos raised or lowered at the handicap stage and again at the acceptance stage either separately or cumulatively as weights raised by so many kilos or weights lowered by so many kilos but the individual ratings of all the horses remain the same, without any change despite adjustment of assigned weights .
In other words, if the amount of weights so raised is deducted from the assigned weights or if the amount of weights so lowered is added to the assigned weights of the horses what will be derived are the actual weights of the horses as related to their individual ratings on the constant scale of rating related weights in that event.
If the Handicapper indicates nothing, it must be assumed, that the assigned weights and the actual weights of the horses on the constant scale as related to their individual ratings are the same and there is no raise or lowering of weights in that event.
The virtue of all such ready information is to ensure instant transparency in ratings, rating related class and weights, and the difference between the weights allotted and the weights of the horses as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of weights.
None the less, always check the ratings and the rating related weights on the constant scale of weights with that of the assigned weights in a given race to establish the correctness of the figures of “weights raised “or “weights lowered indicated in the daily race cards to avoid mistakes later in their evaluations.
This in turn helps the task of our “on the spot” calculations enormously easy and eliminates the need to maintain continuous records for it is the ratings and the rating related weights of the horses and the differences between such weights and the weights allotted to the top weighted horse in a race that matters most in such figuring.
Most Handicappers follow these general standards and guideline specified in the rules of racing but in order to cater to the local needs some Handicappers may suitably modify some of the standards. It may be one of those standards like the number of classes or groups in which the horses are classified, or the number of kilos per class as equalizer of weights on promotion or demotion from one class to another, or the number of kilos to be allotted as the lowest minimum top weight to the highest rated horse, or the number of kilos to be allotted as the lowest minimum bottom weight in all handicap races, or the number of kilos overlapping between one class to another above the lowest top weight or below the lowest top weight, or the number of kilos overlapping between one class to another above the lowest minimum bottom weight or below the lowest minimum bottom weight, or the number of kilos in each class or the weight range in each class. But once the scale is in place they stick to it for all practical purposes and adhere to the rating related scale of weights in all handicap races.
Lowering Rating Related Weights in Handicap Races
The rating related class weight handicap system warrants that the weights in most of the handicap races must be assigned as related to the individual ratings of the horses on a constant scale of rating related weights instead of a spring scale.
It is precisely so because the test of the weight bearing abilities of the horses are strictly related to the actual weights carried by them in kilos in relation to their individual ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights and not merely the weight differentials between the horses Therefore it is imperative that the weights must be allotted as related to the ratings of the horses on a constant scale of rating related weights in all classes in all handicap races in all class bands in a constant scale of rating related weights, where the horses are assigned the weights as related to their individual ratings, the scale indicates the minimum weights to be carried by them in a handicap race while both the weight differentials between the horses and the individual rating of the horses remain unaltered.
Whereas in a spring scale since the weights are adjusted once again at the handicap stage the assigned weights of the horses at the handicap stage will uniformly be lower than the minimum weights indicated in the constant scale of rating related weights as per their ratings, if the weights are lowered at the handicap stage, though the ratings and the weight differentials that represent the margins between the horses remain unaltered.
Also most handicappers believe that lowering of weights at the handicap stage only promotes conflict of interest and facilitates manipulation of weights by proxies at its best and hence avoid such a practice and allot the weights as related to the individual ratings of the horses on the constant scale of rating related weights in all handicap races even if such weights are higher than the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing or else devise such a scale that they can do so. The system of multi points overlapping of weights above the lowest point of lowest top weight by a few kilos is a devise that effectively minimizes the menace of weight raise at the handicap stage and also at the acceptance stage in a race.
And that together with the system of multi point overlapping of weights below the point of lowest top weight by a few kilos indeed makes it good for larger fields and the movement of horses in two consecutive classes both ways easy.
Both these measures in turn attempts to ensure that most horses in most races run with the assigned minimum weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights in all handicap races and that significantly improves the quality of the races although the choice of running the horses in either of the classes is left to the owners and trainers themselves.
They are committed to minimize the menace of weights lowered and weights raised at the handicap stage and at the acceptance stage as also avoid effectively the unpleasant situation of higher class horses running in the lower class with lower weights than they are required to carry on a constant scale rating related weights and the lower class horses running in the same class with lower weights than they are required to carry on a constant scale of rating related weights although the weight differentials between the horses and their individual ratings remain unaltered.
In other words, the deliberate weight drops in the form of lowering of weights at the handicap stage in a given rating related class with a spring scale only benefits the manipulators, since the rating related weights of the horses are based on potential abilities of the horses already established in a race and assessed by the handicapper objectively after the running of that race for equalization of their abilities post race in a given rating related class band or group on a constant scale of rating related weights in the given weight range.
Therefore the weights of horses entered in a handicap race must be declared as per their rating on a constant scale of rating related weights irrespective of a horse being weighted in that race or any other race or not until it runs in a race and the rating related weights can only be raised to meet the criteria of the lowest minimum top weight in a handicap race and can never ever be lowered at any stage of handicapping tilting the scale for the benefit of some horses or for any other reasons Also if the weights are lowered in a given rating related class at any stage of handicapping It amounts to handicapping the horses in the immediate rating related higher class by raising the rating related weights with additional weight raises to the extent it has been lowered in the lower class to meet the criteria of lowest minimum top weight in the higher class though the given race has been framed in the lower class. It is a deliberate creation of another class within a class by dropping the weights of the horses and therefore must be so factored in the system.
Under the circumstances, if the number of kilos adjusted as the equalizer of weights per class on promotion or demotion from one class to another is to remain the same in the system of fair and square handicapping then it can only mean, while the weights of the higher class horses entered in a lower class are declared in relations to their ratings on a constant scale of weights in the higher class the handicaps are declared in the lower class on a spring scale by lowering their weights on the constant scale of weights while the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing remains the same.
Therefore, all the horses entered for that race rated below the point of lowest minimum top weight are also getting dropped in actual weights relatively in that race the effect of which is real while dropping the weights of the horses rated above the lowest minimum top weight when lowering the weights relatively in the lower class. And if the horses from the lower class win in that race they win with lesser weights than the weights they are expected carry on a constant scale of rating related weights and beat the higher class horses in the lower class though the horses may be penalized after the race in the higher class.
No one can ever equate the effects of raising of weights of the horses relatively on a constant scale of rating related weights to meet the criteria of lowest minimum top weight with that of the dropping of actual weights below the point of lowest minimum top weight relatively on a constant scale of rating related weights while lowering relatively the weights of the horses rated above the lowest minimum top weight in a handicap race in a given rating related class and still justify their arithmetic because the effects of actual weights on horses on dropping of weights on a constant scale will never ever be same as raising of weights on a constant scale of weights.
That is why when a horse wins a race and is already handicapped for another race before that win, that horse is given a statutory penalty and if it chooses to run in that race for which he is already handicapped he carries the rating related weight of that class, even if that weight including the given weight penalty is much beyond the maximum weight range of that rating related class.
Also the rating related weights can only be raised to meet the criteria of lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing and that candidly prohibits the system of lowering of weights at any stage of handicapping for it provides avenues for deliberate weight advantages adversely affecting the rating related system of allotting weights in handicap races and decisively renders the ratings given by the handicapper meaningless.
As such no Handicapper normally lowers the weights of the horses unless the top weight is restricted by the rules of racing or by the terms and conditions of the races and never ever raise the weights beyond the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing unless the individual ratings of the horses so warrants and thus adhere to the minimum weights management of rating related scale
Obviously, if the weight of the top entry horse as related to its individual ratings on the scale is less than the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing and the same is raised to the lowest minimum top weight so specified at the handicap stage and then the weights of all other horses entered for that race are raised relatively the rating related classification range of a class on a constant scale of rating related weights in that even virtually goes down that much. And again it would be so at the acceptance stage with such assigned weights at the handicap stage if the weight of the top acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing and the same is raised again to that lowest top weight so specified and then the weights of all other horses in that race are raised relatively for instance, if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 70 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 47.5 – 62.5 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo, if the weights have been raised by 2.00 kilos at the handicap stage and again by another 3.00 kilos at the acceptance stage totaling to 5.00 kilos which is equivalent to 10 points in a race, then the actual range of a rating related class of that race would be 30 – 60 instead of 40 -70 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship. Similarly, if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 70 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 47.0 – 62-0 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each if the weights have been raised by 5.00 kilos at the handicap stage and again by another 5.00 kilos at the acceptance stage totalling to 10.00 kilos which is equivalent to 20 points then the actual range of a rating related class of that race would be 20 – 50 instead of 40 -70 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings in a constant scale of weights have an inverse relationship And that is the reason the individual ratings of the horses remains constant without a change and only the weights go up in such races in a fixed rating related class band system where the weights are raised at the handicap stage and again at the acceptance stage.
The converse is also true if the weights are lowered for then the rating related classification range of a class on a constant scale of rating related weights in that event virtually goes up that much since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings Have an inverse relationship.
For instance if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 70 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 47.5 – 62.5 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo if the weights have been lowered by 2.00 kilos at the handicap stage and then raised by 1.00 kilo at the acceptance stage totalling to lowering of weights by 1.00 kilo that is equivalent to 2 points of half of a kilo each in a race then the actual range of a rating related class of that race would be 42 – 72 instead of 40 -70 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings in a constant scale of weights have an inverse relationship.
Therefore one must always create another class or sub class within a class if need be instead of lowering the weights of the horses in any handicap race for weights can only be raised and can never be lowered unless the ratings of the horses are dropped by the handicapper after a run a race on a constant scale of rating related weights.
For instance if the rating related class is 40 – 70 on constant scale of weights of 47.5 – 62.5 and if the weights are lowered by 5.0 kilos then the rating related class becomes 50 - 70 on a spring scale of weights of 47.5 – 62.5 and therefore allot the weights as per the ratings of the horses on a constant scale of weights in the class of 50 – 80 and then raise the weights only to meet the criteria of minimum top weight and indicate the weight raise if any Yet, a few other Handicappers who opt for the controversial spring scale that generally robs the benefits of constant scale of related weights of horses when weights are lowered, instead opt to design a constant scale of rating related weights which promises to promote transparent, efficient and effective equalization of the abilities of the horses based on their performances in all handicap races by assigning the lowest bottom weight specified in the rules of racing to the lowest rated horse from that class on a constant scale entered in that race even if the weight of that horse as related to its own individual rating on the constant scale of weights is higher than that lowest bottom weight specified for such races in the rules of racing and then lower the weights of all other horses relatively on a constant scale of rating related weights so designed.
Thereafter if the weight of the lowest rated horse so weighted on the constant scale of rating related weights so designed is less than the lowest minimum bottom weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised to that lowest minimum bottom weight at the handicap stage even if its own ratings related weights on a constant scale of rating related weights is less than the lowest minimum bottom weight and then the weights of all other horses entered in that race are raised relatively even if the weight of the top entry horse so weighted is raised beyond the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing.
Then if the weight of the top entry horse so assigned is less than the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing the same is raised to the lowest top weight and the weights of all other horses are raised relatively. And at the acceptance stage, with such assigned weights, if the weight of the top acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing, the same is raised again to that lowest top weight so specified and then the weights of all other horses are raised relatively in that event.
Indeed, there are many methods, but the answer to our needs are “only the one” that lightens the task of both the professionals and the patrons of racing alike and also does proud to the Handicapper in his endeavour who forever attempts to equalize the chances of all horses in the field by making them to carry the weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights in most of the races with an easy system that essentially promotes only fair racing all the time to the satisfaction of the racing fraternity.
Lowering of weights of the horses weighted as per their rating on a constant scale of rating related weights at any stage of handicapping is one such thing that does no proud to the image of a handicapper and can never ever earn the trust of the racing fraternity and the public who most of the time don’t know what it is about but to suspect and suffer the consequences of manipulations.
It is absolutely essential that this system of lowering of weights at handicap stage or any other stage in handicap races should go, sooner the better. They should devise a constant scale of rating related weights where there is no lowering weight that immensely does proud to the image of a handicapper which will carry the trust of the racing public and the patrons alike in his endeavour to eliminate weight as a major factor in deciding the outcome of a race and that weight differentials between the horses in a race weighted as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights equalize the chances of all horses. Handicapping is indeed a high order of merit and an art.
In other words, in all such races, for instance if the allotted weights in the scale of 50.0 – 59.0 kilos is less than its own rating related weights on the constant scale 50.0 -62.0 kilos and the cumulative sum total of weights lowered at handicap stage plus weight raised at the acceptance stage is weights lowered that gives that much benefit in weights carried by all the horses that ran in that race and hence lower that much the ratings of all horses that ran in that race in the comparative weight scale of best bet selections for that race although the ratings remain unchanged for all other purposes without any change because that many points represents additional self penalty next time out as also it reflects so while comparing the previous performances of all horses in a given race.
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Weights in Handicap Races on a Constant Scale of Rating Related Weights
At
B.T.C. – Bangalore Turf Club, Bengalaru, from 2008 Bangalore Summer Season,
M.R.C. – Mysore race Club, Mysore , from 2008 Mysore Summer Season
And
R.C.T.C. – Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Kolkatta, from 2010 Monsoon Season
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The rules of racing at B.T.C., M.R.C., and R.C.T.C., specifies 50.0 kilos as the lowest minimum bottom weight and 60.0 kilos as the lowest minimum top weight in all handicap races, on a constant scale of rating related weights of 50.0 – 62.5 kilos, with multi point overlapping of 2.5 kilos from the point of lowest top weight of 60.0 to 62.5 kilos in all classes.
And that implies, that the weight range in each class is 12.5 kilos in the constant scale of rating related weights of 50.0 – 62.5 kilos and the equalizer of weights per class is 10.0 kilos on promotion or demotion from one class to another in all classes.
This means, that the weights of 60.0 – 62.5 kilos of the lower class with multipoint overlapping overlaps with that of the weights of 50.0 – 52.5 kilos of the next higher class, on a constant scale of rating related weights of 50.0 – 62.5 in all classes. Conversely, the weights of 50.0 – 52.5 kilos of the higher class with multi points overlapping overlaps with that of the weights of 60.0–62.5 kilos of the next lower class, on a constant scale of rating related weights of 50.0 - 62.5 kilos in all classes. Since the equalizer of weights per class is 10.0 kilos on promotion or demotion from one class to another in all classes, the weights go down by that much on promotion from a lower class to the next higher class and the weights go up by that much on demotion from the higher class to the next lower class, in all classes.
The horses are classified into five rating related groups or classes and the ratings are in points where one point is equal to one half of a kilo each in the scale of 50.0 – 62.5 kilos with overlapping of weights from 60.0-62.5 kilos in all classes. As such the rating band of each of the five rating related groups or classes will be moving progressively from the lowest rating related group or class of 0-25, 20-45, 40-65, 60-85 and on to 80-100 points and upwards at the point lowest top weight 60.0 of kgs and 80-105 points and upwards at 62.5 kilos of the highest rating related group or class and the entire rating scale is compressed into 20x5=100+5 points of half a kilo each or 50+2.5 kilos.
The continuous ratings spread over five rating related groups or classes will be from 0 at the point of the lowest bottom weight of 50.0 kilos of the lowest rating related group or class, moving upwards progressively to 100 points at the point of lowest top weight of 60.0 kilos and 105 points at the weight of 62.5 kilos of the highest rating related group or class. And thereafter the ratings will continue upwards in the highest rating related group or class if the ratings related weights of the horses so warrants. And in the lowest rating related class the ratings of the horses continues downwards below the point of 0.0 kilos in the negative figures or in minus points.
Also the rules specify that in all Handicap races, the lowest weight to be carried shall not be less than 50.0 kilos, excluding the allowance that which a jockey may claim. However the handicaps may be framed down to weights below 50.0 kilos.
Further the rules of racing specifies that the minimum top weight assigned in all handicap races shall be 60.0 kilos and though the handicapper may handicap horses with higher weights than this minimum top weight as per their ratings, the weights shall be raised to the lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos only, in the event of the highest rated Acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the weight of 60.0 kilos and the weights of other horses down the line equally.
It is so in order to ensure that the highest rated horse that accepts to run in a race is at least the lowest rated horse of that rating related class and is allotted at least the lowest top weight specified in the rules of racing and then the weights of other horses down the line are raised relatively.
The rules also specify that there will be no lowering of weights in all handicap races at any stage of handicapping, unless specified otherwise, in the rules of racing or in the terms of conditions of the race. The weights will only be raised so as to meet the criteria of minimum top weight.
This rule envisages that in all handicap races weights shall be allotted as per the rating of the horses on a constant scale of rating related weights with continuous rating spread over number of classes as is specified in the rules of racing and the same can only be raised to meet the criteria of lowest minimums top weight at the handicap and acceptance stages of a race as is specified in the rules of racing.
And that effectively implies that there shall be no handicap races with weight allowances by deliberately lowering the rating related weights of the horses weighted as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights above the specified lowest minimum top weight which virtually results in lowering the rating related weights of the horses weighted as per their ratings below the point of specified lowest minimum top weight at any stage of handicapping in any rating related class. As such in all handicap races Horses are assigned the weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights at the handicap stage even though such weights are higher than the lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos specified in the rules of racing in all the classes. And if the weight of the highest rated horse as related to its own ratings on the constant scale of rating related weights is less than the specified lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos the same is raised to 60.0 kilos and then the weights of all other horses down the line are raised relatively.
And at the acceptance stage with such assigned weights, if the weight of the top weighted acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos specified in the rules of racing, the same is raised to 60.0 kilos and then the weights of all other horses in that race are raised relatively.
Further, in order to lighten the burden of weights of highly rated horses, a few races are framed in the highest rating related class with explicit condition in the terms and conditions of the race that the top weight allotted shall not exceed 62.5 kilos which is the upper limit of lowest minimum top weight in the multi point overlapping system of rating related class band where if the weight of the highest rated horse is higher than 62.5 kilos in relation to its individual ratings on the scale, the same is lowered to 62.5 kilos and then the weights of all others horses are relatively lowered.
Similarly, in order to provide fair opportunities for the horses rated below 0 point, a few races are framed for horses rated 25 & below in the lowest rating related class. But all such races in the highest rated class and in the lowest rated class are few and far between and are negligible in number for such races are meant only to cater to the local needs.
Ratings of all horses under training at the beginning of every racing season are published in advance and the Ready Reckoner of Weights or Table of Weights indicates the minimum weights to be carried by them in relation to their individual ratings on a constant scale of weights in all handicap races. Thereafter the revised ratings of the horses that ran in a race, the ratings of horses that go out of station and return back, the ratings of horses that arrive from out stations as also the ratings of all the newly rated horses, that are published soon after the races on every race day, will indicate the weights to be carried by them on the constant scale of weights in relation to their ratings in their next attempt.
The individual ratings of all horses are indicated along with the weights allotted at all the stages of allotment of weights in order to ensure transparency and if the assigned weights of the horses in any event, have been raised or lowered in relation to their ratings related weights on the scale at the handicap stage or acceptance stage or both, the same is indicated under such events in the Handicaps as weights raised or lowered at the handicap stage and again in the Acceptances as weights raised or lowered cumulatively at acceptance stage, which indicates the total of the amount of weights raised or lowered at the handicap stage plus the amount of weights raised at the acceptance stage if any.
And the final declarations as published in the race cards indicate the same as weights raised or lowered at the handicap stage plus weights raised or lowered at the acceptance stage separately but the individual ratings of the horses remain the same, without any change, despite adjustment of assigned weights.
In other words, if the amount of weights so raised is deducted from the assigned weights of the horses or if the amount of weights so lowered is added to the assigned weights of the horses, what will be derived is the actual weights of the horses as related to their individual ratings on the constant scale of rating related weights in that event. Indeed, there are many methods, but in a transparent system the answer to our needs are “only the one” that lightens our task and also does proud to the Handicapper in his endeavour who forever attempts to equalize the chances of all horses in the field by making them to carry the weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of weights in most of the races that which is simple, transparent and easy to understand and work with even by a novice who would like to bet for fun in a race by selecting a horse on the spot on his own based on the merits of the horse.
The result charts of all races that indicate the finishing position of all horses, assigned weights and actual weights carried by them, beaten lengths between the horses until the last horse, beaten distances of each horse from the winner to the last horse, final time of the winner of the race besides the finishing time of each and every horse at the winning post and the race day reports that indicate all those things that happen during the races, the details of deliberations of the stewards and their decisions are some of the other important information amongst many published soon after the races, that keeps the professionals and the public well informed.
However the running position of all horses at the top of the stretch or at the final turn to the winning post and the total beaten distances from the winner to every horse till the last horse besides the fractional timings at every 200 meters of the race and the difference in finishing times from the winner to every horse till the horse which helps instant calculations for on the sport selections are provided only by the race day publications but these are not official though it could be so as and when facilities within BTC, MRC and RCTC are available.
The Race cards also indicate in their race cards the name of the highest rated horse entered in a race along with their own ratings the assigned weight of that horse at the handicap stage in that race and also indicate the name of the lowest rated horse entered in that race along with their own ratings the assigned weight of that horse at the handicap stage in that race.
Two year old horses generally start racing in their own age group sometime in November or so every year. Starting ratings and the rating related weights of such horses at the beginning of their carrier is fixed as 28 for colts and geldings and 25 for fillies where ratings and the rating related weights of the horses on a constant scale of weights are in points of half of a kilo each in the weight scale of 50.0 - 60.0 kilos spread over five rating related classes of 20x5=100 points.
Two year old horses that generally start racing in November of a calendar year and won at least once or ran at least thrice anywhere are allotted a rating based on their performances on the first of January next when they turn three year old horses every new calendar year. Horses that won or finished close are rated in class III rating band of 40 – 60.
The starter ratings for un raced two year old horses that turn three year old horses on the first of January next are also fixed on the first January every new calendar year which generally continues to be the same as in November last when they started racing as two year old horses and thereafter the same is revised at the beginning of every new racing season based on the time of the year.
It could be 28 and 25 in the scale of 50.0-60.0 kilos as is in B.T.C. Bengaluru., M.R.C. Mysore, Mysore and R.C.T.C. Kolkatta or it could be 30 and 27 in the scale of 49.0-59.0 kilos as in RWITC. Mumbai and Pune or it could even be 24 and 21 in November just about two months before it turns four year old horses in January next as was in RWITC Mumbai based on their own scale.
However, this is periodically changed at the beginning of every new racing season and hence one should confirm the same from the authorities of the respective turf clubs if they have not published the same or find it out from the handicaps published over a period of time. Also the rules of racing indicate that the weights as related to the ratings of 28 points on the scale of weights where one point is equal to half of a kilo or 14.0 kilos on the scale shall be allotted to un raced 4 years old colts and geldings as also to three year old colts and geldings when entered in the handicap races before they are rated and the un raced fillies shall be allotted the weights as related to the ratings of 25 points on the scale of weights where one point is equal to half of a kilo or 12.5 kilos on the scale of weights.
Mysore Race club follows the scale of BTC. And RCTC has introduced the same scale as is in BTC from 2010 RCTC Monsoon Season with some adjustments like lower class horses are eligible to run in the higher class to suite the local needs.
Further, if the horses are classified into five rating related groups or classes in the scale of 47.5 – 62.5 with overlapping of weights of 5.0 kilos from 57.5 – 62.5 and the ratings are in numerical points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each and the ratings begin with 0 from the lowest point of lowest minimum bottom weight of 47.5 of the lowest class, then the rating band of each of the five rating related groups or classes will be moving progressively from the lowest rating related class of 5-30, 25-50, 45-70, 65-90 and to 85-105 and upwards at the point of lowest top weight 60.0 kilos and 85-110 points and upwards at the weight of 62.5 kilos of the highest rating related group or class and the entire rating related scale is compressed to 20x5=100+10 points of half of a kilo each or 50+5 kilos.
Since individual ratings of horses are in numerical points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each, the continuous ratings begin with 0 point at the lowest point of the lowest bottom weight of 47.5 kilos of the lowest rating related class and moves upwards progressively to 105 points at the point of lowest top weight of 60.0 kilos and 110 points at the weight of 62.5 in the highest rating related class. And thereafter the ratings in the highest rating related class continues upwards in the same rating related group or class if the ratings related weights of the horses so warrants and in the lowest rating related class the ratings of horses continues downwards below the point of 0.0 kilos in the negative figures or in minus points.
Therefore add 5 points of half of a kilo each to the given current ratings of BTC, MRC and RCTC as published by them periodically during the current on going season that will enable a single rating for all the racing centres of India in the common scale of 47.5 – 62.5 with overlapping of five kilos from 57.5 – 62.5 in all the classes in order to make comparative spot decisions on a common rating related scale of weights.
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Weights in Handicap Races on a Constant Scale of Rating Related Weights
At - RWITC – Royal Western India Turf Club, Mumbai - from 2007-2008 Mumbai Season
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The rules of racing at R.W.I.T.C specifies 49.0 kgs as the lowest minimum bottom weight and 59.0 kgs as the lowest minimum top weight in all handicap races in the weight scale of 49.0 - 62.0 kilos with multi point overlapping of weights of 3.0 kilos from the point of lowest minimum top weight of 59.0 kgs to 62.0 kgs in all classes which implies that the weight range in each class is 13.0 kgs and the equalizer of weights per class on promotion or demotion from one class to another is 10.0 kgs in all classes.
This means that the weights of 59.0 - 62.0 kgs of the lower class, with multi points overlapping, overlaps with that of the weights of 49.0 - 52.0 kgs of the next higher class on a constant scale of rating related weights of 49.0 – 62.0 kgs in all classes. Conversely the weights of 49.0 – 52.0 kgs of the higher class, with multi points overlapping, overlaps with that of the weights of 59.0 - 62.0 kgs of the next lower class in all classes on a constant scale of rating related weights of 49.0 - 62.0 kgs in all classes. Also since the equalizer of weights per class is 10.0 kgs on promotion or demotion from one class to another in all classes the weights go down by that much on promotion from the lower class to the next higher class and the weights go up by that much on demotion from the higher class to the next lower class in all classes.
The horses are classified into five rating related groups or classes and the ratings are in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each in the scale of 49.0 – 62.0 kgs with overlapping of weights from 59.0–62.0 kgs the rating band of each of the five rating related groups or classes will be moving progressively from the lowest rating related group or class of 0-26, 20-46, 40-66, 60-86 and on to 80-100 points and upwards at the point lowest top weight 59.0 kgs and 80-106 points and upwards at the weight of 62.0 kgs of the highest rating related group or class and the entire rating related scale is compressed to 20x5=100+6 points of half of a kilo each or 50+3 kilos.
As such the continuous ratings spread over the five rating related groups or classes will then be from 0 at the point of the lowest bottom weight of 49.0 kgs of the lowest rating related group or class moving upwards progressively to 100 points at the point of lowest top weight of 59.0 kgs and 106 at the weight of 62.0 kgs of the highest rating related group or class.
And thereafter the ratings will continue upwards in the same highest rating related group or class, if the ratings related weights of the horses, so warrants and in the lowest rating related class the ratings of horses continues downwards below the point of 0.0 kgs in the negative figures or in minus points.
Since Mumbai 2009–10 Winter Season the lowest rating related class V with the rating band of 0-26 has been revised downwards as rating related class V with the ratings band of 1 - 26 to meet the sentimental criteria of some of the vested interests and hence the weight range in the lowest rating related class is 12.5 kilos in the scale of 49.0 – 61.5 kilos and the equalizer of weights on promotion or on demotion with the next higher class of 20 – 46 is 19 points of half a kilo each or 9.5 kilos.
The rules of racing precisely specifies that in all Handicap races the lowest minimum bottom weight to be carried shall not be less than 49.0 kgs, excluding the allowance that which a jockey may claim. However the handicaps may be framed down to weights below 49.0 kgs.
The rules of racing also specifies that the lowest minimum top weight to be carried in all handicap races shall be 59.0 kgs and though the handicapper may handicap horses with higher weights than this minimum top weight as per their ratings the weights shall be raised to 59.0 kgs only in the event of the highest rated Acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than that.
It is so in order to ensure that the highest rated horse that accepts to run in a race is at least the lowest rated horse of that rating related class and is allotted at least the lowest minimum top weight of 59.0 kilos specified in the rules of racing and then the weights of all other horses down the line are raised relatively so that the weight differential between the horses remain the same.
Further the rules of racing specifies that in all handicap races, unless the terms and conditions of the race specify otherwise, the handicapper shall lower the rating related weights of all horses entered for that race relatively at the handicap stage, should the weight of the lowest weighted horse be higher than the lowest bottom weight of 50.0 kilos and the weight of the top weighted horse is higher than the lowest top weight of 59.0 kilos corresponding to their individual ratings, to the extent where the so lowered weight of the lowest weighted horse does not go below 50.0 kilos, provided, however, that the minimum top weight assigned shall always be 59.0 kilos as specified in the rules of racing. And in case there is a horse handicapped at 50.0 kilos, the weights will not be lowered. Also the rules specify that the Weights shall not be lowered at the acceptance stage in all such races.
This is so in order to lighten the burden of weights above the lowest minimum top weight of 59.0 kilos on all horses from the higher class that may have to be handicapped in the weight range of 59.0 – 62.0 kilos or more in the lower class as per their ratings on a constant of rating related weights, the weights are lowered at the handicap stage in the lower class based on the concept of framing Handicap Races with Weight Allowances on receipt of entries for a handicap race as a matter of auto routine by lateral lowering of rating related weights on the constant scale of rating related weights and lighten the rating related weights on all horses equally in the lower class as per the rules of racing specified for the same. The result of which is drop in weights of higher class horses in the lower class while the weights of lower class horses virtually getting dropped in the same class.
Theoretically one can manipulate the scale for lower weights up to 9. 0 kilos or more in the highest rating related class and 3.0 kilos or less than that in all other classes at the handicap stage based on the weights of the horses entered for that race by auto lowering of weights strictly as per the rules of racing.
Prior to the above amendment the defunct rule precisely specified that there will be no lowering of weights in all handicap races at any stage of handicapping, unless specified otherwise, in the rules of racing or in the terms of conditions of the race. The weights will only be raised so as to meet the criteria of minimum top weight.
As such in all handicap races on receipt of entries for a handicap race horses are assigned the weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights at the handicap stage even though such weights are higher than the lowest top weight of 59.0 kgs specified in the rules of racing in all the classes.
And if the weight of the highest rated horse as related to its own ratings on the scale is less than the lowest top weight of 59.0 kgs the same is raised to 59.0 kgs and then the weights of all other horses are raised relatively.
Then if the weight of the highest rated horse entered in that race is higher than the lowest minimum top weight of 59.0 kgs as per the ratings related weights of the horses on the specified constant scale of rating related weights the same is lowered to 59.0 kgs first and then the weights of all other horses down the line are lowered relatively, should the weight of the lowest weighted horse be higher than the lowest bottom weight of 50.0 kilos and the weight of the top weighted horse is higher than the lowest top weight of 59.0 kilos corresponding to their individual ratings.
And thereafter if the weight of the lowest weighted horse so assigned is less than 50.0 kilos the same is raised to 50.0 kilos and then the weights of all others horses entered in that race are raised relatively once again even if the weight of the highest weighted horse so weighted is higher than the lowest minimum top weight of 59.0 kilos in all handicap races in all classes at the handicap stage.
Thus by virtue of these rules horses in all handicap races in all classes Weights are allotted in relation to their individual ratings on a constant scale of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos and if the weight of the so weighted lowest rated horse entered in a handicap race on a constant scale of rating related weights exceeds lowest minimum bottom weight of 50.0 kilos the same is lowered to 50.0 kilos at the handicap stage in all handicap races. And thereafter if the weight of the so weighted highest rated horse entered in such races is less than 59.0 kilos the same is raised to 59.0 kilos and then the weights of all other horses down the line are raised relatively.
It is so as per the rule that specifies that the minimum top weight allotted shall always remain 59.0 kilos while the minimum bottom weight so assigned shall be 50.0 kilos or more in all such races where the weights are lowered at the handicap stage.
And at the acceptance stage with such assigned weights, if the weight of the top acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than the lowest top weight of 59.0 kilos, the same is raised to 59.0 kilos as specified in the rules of racing and then the weights of all other horses in that race are raised relatively.
In other words, in all such races, since the horses weighted in the scale of 50.0 - 62.0 are lowered in weights in the scale of 50-0 – 59.0 kgs the weights are lowered to that extent where the weight of the lowest weighted horse does not go below 50.0 kgs, provided, however, that the minimum top weight assigned shall always be 59.0 kgs as specified in the rules of racing, even though the ratings remain unchanged.
In all such races, for instance if the allotted weights in the scale of 50.0 – 62.0 kgs is less than its own rating related weights on the constant scale 50.0 -62.0 kgs and the cumulative sum total of weights lowered at handicap stage plus weight raised at the acceptance stage is weights lowered on a constant scale of rating related weights, give that much benefit in weights carried to all the horses that ran in that race and hence lower that much the ratings of all horses that ran in that race in the comparative weight scale though the ratings remain unchanged for all other purposes because that many points represents additional self penalty next time out for such horses.
Also, in order to lighten the burden of weights of highly rated horses, a few races are framed in the highest rated class with the condition in the terms and condition of the race that the top weight allotted shall not exceed 62.0 kilos, where if the weight of the highest rated horse is higher than 62.0 kilos in relation to its individual ratings on the scale, the same is lowered to 62.0 kilos and then the weights of all others horses are relatively lowered. But such races are few and far between and are negligible in number for such races are meant only to cater to the local needs and it is the prerogative of the stewards of the club to bend the rules to frame such races to suite the local needs and conveniences that which they do with utmost caution.
Similarly, in order to lighten the burden of weights of 3 year old maiden horses that ran at least once before June first of every year and have been rated in the lowest rated class of 00-26, a few races are framed for such horses as handicap races for 3 year old maiden horses that have run at least once and rated 6-26 in the rating related class of 00-26 with the condition that the top weight shall not exceed 59.0 kilos where the scale itself is lowered by 3.0 kilos or six points by which the minimum top weight is automatically restricted to 59.0 kilos and the lowest weight is down to 49.0 kilos in the constant scale of weights of 49.0 – 62.00.
In such races even though weight differences and the ratings remain the same, if the handicaps do not indicate that the weights have been lowered by three kilos, always remember that the weights have been lowered by three kilos or six points in the rating related class of 00–26 since the scale itself is already lowered by that much in the constant scale of 49.0 – 62.0 kgs.
Further, in order to ensure more competitive racing, the rules of racing specifies a minimum number of Acceptors in races other than graded races and if it is less than that such races are declared void. Also the rules stipulate certain norms for reframing of races that may be declared void at any stage. These things change as per the prevailing needs of every racing centre.
In any transparent system the crux is on the crucial word transparency for the success of that system. It is so because it relieves the managers of the system from issues of controversies and leaves them more time and energy to attend to all the other important things and similarly so with those who follow the system for they get all the information they need instantly. In this respect this system is becoming more and more transparent and progressive and there is no secret about it.
The Ratings of all horses under training are published in advance at the beginning of every racing season and the Ready Reckoner of Weights or Table of Weights indicates the weights to be carried by them in relation to their individual ratings on the scale in all handicap races.
Thereafter the revised ratings of the horses that ran in a race, the ratings of horses that go out of station and return back, the ratings of horses that arrive from out stations as also the ratings of all newly rated horses that are published soon after the races on every race day will indicate the current ratings of all horses and the weights to be carried by them in relation to their individual ratings on the scale in their next attempt.
The individual ratings of all horses are indicated along with the weights allotted at all the stages of allotment of weights such as Handicaps, Acceptances, Final Declarations and the Race Cards and if the assigned weights of the horses in any event, have been raised or lowered in relation to their ratings related weights on the scale at the handicap stage or acceptance stage or both, the same is indicated under such events in the Handicaps as weights raised or lowered at the handicap stage and again in the Acceptances as weights raised or lowered at the handicap stage plus weights raised at the acceptance stage separately. The final declarations and the race cards indicate the same as weights raised or lowered at the handicap stage plus weights raised at the acceptance stage separately as published in the race day books but the individual ratings of the horses remain the same, without any change, despite adjustment of assigned weights.
In other words, if the amount of weights so raised is deducted from the assigned weights or if the amount of weights so lowered is added to the assigned weights of the horses, what will be derived are the actual weights of the horses as related to their individual ratings on the constant scale of weights in that event.
For instance, if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 66 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo, if the weights have been raised by 5.00 kilos at the handicap stage and again by another 5.00 kilos at the acceptance stage totalling to 10.00 kilos which is equivalent to 20 points in a race, then the actual adjusted range of a rating related class of that race would be 20 – 46 instead of 40 - 66 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship. Similarly, if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 66 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 49.0 – 62-0 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo, if the weights have been raised by 2.00 kilos at the handicap stage and again by another 3.00 kilos at the acceptance stage totalling to 5.00 kilos which is equivalent to 10 points in a race, then the actual adjusted range of a rating related class of that race would be 30 – 56 instead of 40 - 66 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship.
And that is the reason the individual ratings of the horses and the weight differentials remains constant without a change and only the weights go up in such races in a class system where the weights are raised at the handicap stage and again at the acceptance stage.
The converse is also true if the weights are lowered for then the actual rating related class range of a class on a constant scale of rating related weights in that event virtually goes up that much since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship.
For instance, if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 66 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 49.0 – 62-0 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo, if the weights have been lowered by 3.00 kilos at the handicap stage and then raised by 1.00 kg at the acceptance stage totalling to lowering of weights by 2.00 kilos which is equivalent to 4 points in a race, then the actual range of a rating related class of that race would be 44 – 70 instead of 40 -66 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship.
Similarly, if the range of a rating related class is 40 – 70 on a constant scale of a rating related class of weights of 47.0 – 62.0 kilos with the ratings in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo, if the weights are lowered by 12.00 kilos at the handicap stage and then raised by 2.00 kilos at the acceptance stage totalling to lowering of weights by 10.00 kilos which is equivalent to 20 points of half of a kilo each in a race, then the actual range of a rating related class of that race would be 60 – 90 instead of 40 -70 since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship.
And that is the reason the ratings of the horses and the weight differentials between the horses remains constant without a change and only the weights go down in such races in a rating related class band or class system where the weights are lowered at the handicap stage and again raised at the acceptance stage and the cumulative total is weights lowered at the acceptance stage.
Since the rating related class and the weights as related to ratings have an inverse relationship, the racing fraternity must workout the actual adjusted rating related class of a race on a constant scale of weights on its own, despite loss of time and energy, until RWITC indicates the actual rating related class of a race on a constant scale of weights along with the rating related class of a race framed and advertised in the prospectus after receipt of entries and allotment of weights for that race in the handicaps, acceptances, race cards and final declarations based on the weights raised and weights lowered indicated under each race in the handicaps, acceptances, race cards and final declarations. This will indicate the actual company of horses that accepted and ran in that race on a constant scale of weights of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos with 13.0 kilos in each class and not just the rating related class of a race framed and advertised in the prospectus.
Indeed, there are many methods, but in a transparent system the answer to our needs are “only the one” that lightens our task and also does proud to the Handicapper in his endeavour who forever attempts to equalize the chances of all horses in the field by making them to carry the weights as related to their individual ratings on a constant scale of weights in most of the races that which is simple, transparent and easy to understand and work with even by a novice who would like to bet for fun in a race by selecting a horse on the spot on his own based on the merits of the horse.
The result charts of all races that indicate the finishing position of all horses, assigned weights and actual weights carried by all the horses, beaten lengths between the horses until the last horse with the final time of the race besides the finishing time of each and every horse at the winning post and the race day reports that indicate all those things that happen during the races, the details about the deliberations of the stewards and their decisions are some of the other important information amongst many published soon after the races, that keeps the professionals and the public well informed.
However the running position of all horses at the top of the stretch or at the final turn to the winning post besides the fractional timings at every 200 meters of the race are provided only by the race day publications but these are not official though it could be so as and when facilities within RWITC are available. The Race cards also indicate in their race cards the name of the highest rated horse entered in a race along with their own ratings the assigned weight of that horse at the handicap stage in that race and also indicate the name of the lowest rated horse entered in that race along with their own ratings the assigned weight of that horse at the handicap stage in that race.
Two year old horses generally start racing in their own age group sometime in November or so every year. Starting ratings and the rating related weights of such horses at the beginning of their carrier is fixed as 34 for colts and geldings and 31 for fillies where ratings and the rating related weights of the horses on a constant scale of weights are in points of half of a kilo each in the scale weight scale of 47.0 -57.0 kgs spread over five rating related classes of 20x5=100 points.
Two year old horses that generally start racing in November of a calendar year and won at least once or ran at least thrice anywhere are allotted a rating based on their performances on the first of January next when they turn three year old horses every new calendar year. Horses that won or finished close are rated in class III rating band of 40 – 60.
The starter ratings for un raced two year old horses that turn three year old horses on the first of January next are also fixed on the first January every new calendar year which generally continues to be the same as in November last when they started racing as two year old horses and thereafter the same is revised at the beginning of every new racing season based on the time of the year.
As per the rules of racing at RWITC it is at present 30 and 27 in the scale of 49.0-59.0 kilos in January every year when they turn three year old and 24 and 21 in November just about two months before it turns four year old horses in January next based on their own scale.
If the horses are classified into five rating related groups or classes in the scale of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos and the ratings are in numerical points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each in the scale of 47.0 – 62.0 kilos with overlapping of 5.0 kilos in all classes then the rating band of each of the five rating related groups or classes will be moving progressively from the lowest rating related group or class of 4-30, 24-50, 44-70, 64-90 and to 84-104 points and up wards at the lowest top weight of 59.0 kgs and 110 points and upwards at the point of 62.0 kgs of the highest rating related group or class and upwards and the entire rating related scale is compressed to 20x5=100 points of half of a kilo each or 50 kilos..
Since individual ratings of horses are in numerical points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each, the continuous ratings begin with 0 point at the lowest point of the lowest bottom weight of 47.0 kilos of the lowest rating related class and moves upwards progressively to 104 points at the point of lowest top weight of 59.0 kilos and 110 points at the weight of 62.0 in the highest rating related class and thereafter the ratings continue upwards in the same rating related group or class if the ratings related weights of the horses so warrants and in the lowest rating related class the ratings of horses continues downwards below the point of 0.0 kilos in the negative figures or in minus points.
Therefore add 4 points of half of a kilo each to the given current ratings of RWITC as published by them periodically during the current on going season that will enable a single rating for all the racing centres of India in the common scale of 47.5 – 62.5 kilos with overlapping of five kilos from 57.5 – 62.5 kilos in all the classes in order to make comparative spot decisions on a common rating related scale of weights.
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Weights in Handicap Races on a Constant Scale of Rating Related Weights
At – HRC – Hyderabad Race Club – Hyderabad From 2008 Monsoon season
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The rules of racing at HRC specifies 49.0 kilos as the lowest minimum bottom weight and 60.0 kilos as the lowest minimum top weight in all handicap races and the ratings of the horses are in points where one point is equal to one half of a kilo each.
The horses are classified into four rating related categories with a class band of Category IV - Below 25, Category III - Below 50, Category II - Below 75 and Category I – 75 & upwards, and the ratings and the rating related weights of the horses will be moving progressively from the lowest rating related category with a class band of 0-25, 25-50, 50-75 and 75-100 points and upwards in the highest rating related category with a class band and the entire rating related scale is compressed to 25x4=100 points of half of a kilo each or 50 kilos.
This means that the equalizer of weights per class is 25 points of half of a kilo each or 12.5 kilos on promotion or demotion of horses from one category to another in all categories and that the weights go down by that much on promotion of horses from the lower category to the next higher category and the weights go up by that much on demotion of horses from the higher category to the next lower category in all classes or categories.
HRC has not published their official ready reckoner of rating related scale of weights for handicap races which only means that HRC is less transparent than other racing centres. As such everyone must virtually make an effort to devise a rating related scale on his own and follow it through every racing season to make things easy for comparative study of weights on his own for his on the spot selections. Here is one such effort that could benefit everyone.
Assume that the weights are allotted on receipt of entries for a handicap race in the rating related weight band of 49.5 – 62.0 kilos in each of the four rating related categories as per the ratings of the horses on a constant scale of rating related weights of 47.5 – 62.0 kilos with multi points overlapping of weights of 2.0 kilos from 60.0 – 62.0 kilos of the lower category overlapping with that of the weights of 47.5 - 49.5 kilos of the next higher category in all categories.
This precisely means that the weights of 60.0 - 62.0 kilos of the lower category, with multi points overlapping of weights, overlaps with that of the weights of 47.5 - 49.5 kilos of the next higher category on a constant scale of rating related weights of 47.5 – 62.0 kilos in all categories.
Conversely the weights of 47.5 – 49.5 kilos of the higher category, with multi points overlapping, overlaps with that of the weights of 60.0 - 62.0 kilos of the next lower category in all categories on a constant scale of rating related weights of 47.5 - 62.0 kilos.
Since the rules of racing specifies 49.0 kilos as the lowest minimum bottom weight and 60.0 kilos as the lowest minimum top weight horses are allotted the rating related weights as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights in the scale of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos which implies that the weight range in each category is 13.0 kilos from 49.0 – 62.0 kilos in all categories.
And in the highest rating related category the rating related weights continues upwards beyond 62.0 kilos in the scale of weights of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos if the ratings and the rating related weights so warrants and in the lowest category the ratings related weights continue down words below the point of 49.0 kilos in the scale of weights of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos and the ratings are in negative or minus figures.
Then it means if the horses are allotted the weights as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights of 49.0 – 62.0 kilos the weight range in each category is 13.0 kilos in all categories and with the weights of 60.0 – 62.0 kilos of the lower category overlapping with that of the weights of 47.5 – 49.5 kilos of the next higher category in all categories the equalizer of weights per class or category on promotion or on demotion of horses from one class or category to another is 12.5 kilos.
Thus if the top weighted horse weighted with the rating related weight of 62.0 kilos as per the ratings of the horses on a constant scale of rating related weights in all categories in the scale of 47.5 – 62.0 kilos, the weights of 60.0 - 62.0 kilos of the lower category with multi points overlapping overlaps with that of the weights of 47.5 – 49.5 kilos of the next higher category in the scale of 47.5 - 62.0 kilos, and therefore the equalizer of weights per category on promotion or on demotion from one category to another is 12.5 kilos at all points in all categories and the weights are overlapping by 2.0 kilos from the point of the lowest bottom weight of 49.5 kilos and below downwards in all categories and the horses from the lower category so handicapped are eligible to run in the higher category from the point of 49.5 kilos and below in all categories.
Therefore if the horses are classified into four groups or categories with a class band of rating related weights, in which the ratings are in points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each, then the rating band of each of the four categories will be moving progressively from the lowest category IV for horses rated 0-25 or Below 25, Category III for horses rated 25-50 or Below 50, Category II for horses rated 50-75 or Below 75 and thereafter to category I for horses rated 75-100 and upwards at the top weight 62.0 kilos in the scale of rating related weights of 49.5 – 62.0 kilos in all the categories.
The continuous ratings spread over four classes will be from 0 at the point of the lowest bottom weight of 49.5 kilos of the lowest rating related group or class or category, moving upwards progressively to 96 points at the point of lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos and 100 points at the weight of 62.00 kilos of the highest rating related group or class or category and thereafter the ratings will continue upwards in the highest rating related group or class, if the ratings related weights of the horses, so warrants.
Obviously the rating related weights of the horses will then be corresponding to the ratings of each of the rating related class or category of 0 -25, 25-50, 50-75 and 75-100 on the constant scale of rating related weights of 49.5 – 62.0 kilos and also the weights of other horses down the line will be as per their ratings from 49.5 kilos and below.
Since the equaliser of weights per class on promotion or on demotion of horses from one category to another is 12.5 kilos and the lowest minimum bottom weight to be carried is 49.0 kilos and the lowest minimum top weight to be carried is 60.0 kilos, the horses are allotted the weights as per their ratings on a constant scale of rating related weights of 47.5 – 62.0 kilos as related to their ratings on receipt of entries for a handicap race and adjusted by the handicapper at the handicap stage as specified in the rules of racing.
Thereafter if the weight of the highest rated horse so allotted is less than the specified lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos the same is raised to that lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos and other weights down the line are raised relatively at the handicap stage.
And again at the acceptance stage the handicapper adjusts the so assigned weights to the lowest minimum top weight specified in the rules of racing to meet the criteria of lowest minimum top weight and also the lowest minimum bottom weight as specified in the rules of racing.
Further it specifies that in all handicap races, unless the terms and conditions of the race specify otherwise, should the weight of the top weighted horse is higher than the lowest top weight of 60.0 kilos corresponding to their individual ratings, and the weight of the lowest weighted horse be higher than the lowest bottom weight of 49.5 kilos the handicapper shall lower the rating related weights of all horses entered for that race relatively at the handicap stage, to the extent where the weight of the top weighted horse does not go below the lowest minimum top weight of 60.0 kilos and the weight of the lowest weighted horse does not go below 49.5 kilos.
And in case there is a horse handicapped at 49.5 kilos corresponding to their individual ratings, the weights shall not be lowered. Also the rules specify that the Weights shall not be lowered at the acceptance stage in all such races.
This is so in order to lighten the burden of weights on all horses that may have to be handicapped in the weight range of 60.0 – 62.0 kilos or more as per their ratings on a constant of rating related weights, the weights are lowered at the handicap stage based on the concept of framing Handicap Races with Weight Allowances on receipt of entries for a handicap race as a matter of auto routine by lateral lowering of rating related weights on the constant scale of rating related weights and lighten the rating related weights on all other horses equally. The result of which is drop in weights of all horses while the ratings of the horses remains unaltered.
As such the rules of racing specifies that the lowest weight to be carried in all handicap races shall not be less than the specified lowest bottom weight of 49.0 kilos, excluding the allowance that which a jockey may claim though the handicaps may be framed down to weights below 49.0 kilos. It also specifies that the minimum top weight to be carried in all handicap races shall be 60.0 kilos and though the handicapper may handicap horses with higher weights than this minimum top weight as per their ratings the weights shall be raised to 60.0 kilos only in the event of the highest rated Acceptor horse that accepts to run in a race is less than 60.0 kilos and then the weights of all other horses in that event shall be raised relatively.
Further it specifies that in all handicap races, unless the terms and conditions of the race specify otherwise, should the weight of the top weighted horse be higher than the lowest top weight of 60.0 kilos corresponding to their individual ratings, and the weight of the lowest weighted horse be higher than the lowest bottom weight of 49.5 kilos the handicapper shall lower the rating related weights of all horses entered for that race relatively at the handicap stage, to the extent where the weight of the top weighted horse does not go below the lowest top weight of 60.0 kilos and the weight of the lowest weighted horse does not go below 49.5 kilos.
And in case there is a horse handicapped at 49.5 kilos corresponding to their individual ratings, the weights will not be lowered. Also the rules specify that the Weights shall not be lowered at the acceptance stage in all such races.
The rules also specify that there will be no lowering of weights in all handicap races at any stage of handicapping unless specified otherwise in the rules of racing or in the terms of conditions of the race. The weights will only be raised so as to meet the criteria of minimum top weight.
And at the acceptance stage if the weight of the highest acceptor horse so weighted is less than 60.0 kilos the same be raised to 60.0 kilos and the weights of all other horses down the line be raised relatively. And then the weights of other horses weighted from 49.0 kilos and below are raised to the lowest minimum bottom weight of 49.0 kilos irrespective of their rating related weights Since the minimum weight to be carried in all handicap races is 49.0 kilos excluding the jockeys allowances if any, the rating related weights of other horses below 49.0 that are raised to the lowest minimum bottom weight of 49.0 kilos irrespective their own rating related weights, will show that much of difference in rating related weights and the weights allotted to them and that of weight must be considered as over weights carried by them.
This will be very much visible in most of the races for too many horses run with over weights in relation to their rating related weights below the point of lowest minimum bottom weights of 49.0 kilos in all handicap races in all categories.
All the above hidden facts of the fundamentals of allotting weights in handicap races can be had on a comparative study of the handicaps published so far by HRC and if you take the weights as related to the ratings of the horses on the above handicap scale and the actual weights allotted to the horses in race after race it will show the difference in weights as weights raised or weights lowered at the handicap stage and as weights raised or weights lowered or both at the acceptance stage as a mirror. And if the rating related weights and the weights allotted are the same it will show nothing as the difference is nil or nothing.
In any transparent system the crux is on the crucial word transparency for the success of that system and it is so because it relieves the managers of the system from issues of controversies and leaves them more time and energy to attend to all the other important things and similarly so with those who follow the system for they get all the information they need instantly. In this respect this system is becoming more and more transparent and progressive and there is no secret about it.
Hence until HRC brings in transparency and publish their official ready reckoner of rating related weights for handicap races and also introduce the system of indicating in the handicaps and acceptances under each race from the handicap stage onwards the actual amount of weights raised or lowered or both that indicates the weight differences between the assigned weights and the rating related weights of the horses. Also HRC must indicate the ratings of the horses along with the weights allotted to them in the handicaps and acceptances from the handicap stage onwards and ensure accountability of the Handicapper for many times the handicapper on his own discretion or otherwise tend to deviate from his own brand of constant scale of rating related weights unnoticed by most.
Since 2009–10 HRC Monsoon Season, the lowest rating related category IV with the rating band of 0-25 has been revised downwards, the weight range in the lowest rating related class is 12.5 kilos from 49.0 – 61.5 kilos and the equalizer of weights per class on promotion or demotion with the next higher class of 25 – 50 is 24 points of half a kilo each or12.0 kilos in order to enable horses with ratings of 26 in category III to run in Category IV with weights of 62.0 kilos. But from 2010-11 monsoon and regular HRC seasons category IV races are eliminated in the prospectus which should be reintroduced as a measure to provide fair opportunities to the horses rated in that category otherwise most of them would be weighted in category III and may carry over weights.
Further, if the horses are classified into four rating related groups or classes in the scale of 47.5 – 62.5 with overlapping of weights of 5.0 kilos from 60.0 – 62.5 and 47.5 – 50 kilos and the ratings are in numerical points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each and the ratings begin with 0 from the lowest point of lowest minimum bottom weight of 47.5 kilos of the lowest class, then the rating band of each of the four rating related groups or classes will be moving progressively from the lowest rating related class of 5-30, 30-55, 55-80, and 80-105 and upwards at the weight of 62.5 kilos of the highest rating related group or class and the entire rating related scale is compressed to 25x4=100+5 points of half of a kilo each or 50+2.5 kilos.
Since individual ratings of horses are in numerical points where one point is equal to half of a kilo each, the continuous ratings begin with 0 point at the lowest point of the lowest bottom weight of 47.5 kilos of the lowest rating related class and moves upwards progressively to 105 points at the top weight of 62.5 in the highest rating related class and thereafter the ratings continue upwards in the same rating related group or class if the ratings related weights of the horses so warrants and in the lowest rating related class the ratings of horses continues downwards below the point of 0.0 kilos in the negative figures or in minus points.
Therefore one has to add 5 points of half of a kilo each to the given current ratings of the horses at HRC as published by them periodically during the on going season that will enable a single rating for all the racing centres of India in the common scale of 47.5 – 62.5 with overlapping of five kilos from 47.5 – 62.5 in all the classes in order to make comparative spot decisions on a common rating related scale of weights of HRC.
In the light of above observations, for the benefit of racing patrons and the racing public as also in the interest of the horses running and racing at HRC, Hyderabad Racing Club must consider introducing the rating related system of classifications of BTC and adopt the same for HRC at the earliest as has been done by RCTC since Monsoon 2010 season.
Comparative Table of rating related weights
Racing Centre Wight range kilos Top Weight Rating band in each class
I II III IV V
BTC 50.0 – 62.5 62.5 80 – 105 60-85 40-65 20 - 45 0 -25
MRC 50.0 – 62.5 62.5 80 – 105 60 – 85 40- 65 20 - 45 0-25
RCTC 50.0 – 62.5 62.5 80 - 105 60 - 85 40- 65 20 - 45 0-25
RWITC 49.0 – 62.0 62.0 80 - 106 60 - 86 40-66 20 - 46 1-27
HRC 49.0 – 62.0 62.0 74 – 100 69 – 75 24–50 1 – 25 --
Always check the ratings and the rating related weights on the constant scale of weights with that of the assigned weights in a given handicap race to establish the correctness of the figures of “weights raised “or “weights lowered indicated in the daily race cards to avoid mistakes later in their evaluations.
This in turn helps the task of our “on the spot” calculations enormously easy and eliminates the need to maintain continuous records for it is the ratings and the rating related weights of the horses and the differences between such weights and the weights allotted to the top weighted horse in a race that matters most in such figuring.
Take the weight of top weight in a handicap race and check what should be the rating of that top weight on the scale of weights for handicap races in a given class or category as related to the top weight on the constant scale of rating related weights. Thereafter take the rating of top weighted horse and other horses down the line and check what should be weight of the horses on the constant scale of rating related weights as per theirs ratings.
The difference between the weights allotted and the weights as per the scale of weights for handicap races indicates weights raised if the allotted weight is more than the weights on the scale and it indicates weights lowered if the allotted weight is less the weights on the handicap scale and if indicates nil or nothing the weights allotted indicates that the horses have been assigned the rating related as per the scale weights for handicap races.
Courtesy: Spot the Winner with Success