Racing NSW will be seeking to boost the number of runners in metropolitan and country races in NSW with an increase in minimum topweights in handicap races.
The increase in topweight from 59 kilograms to 61kgs adds a two kilogram increase in the spread of weights, or four points in the benchmark rating system.
“The increase in the benchmark weight and overall spread of weights will make for more competitive races and improve winning opportunities for more horses at the bottom of weights,” said Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys.
The aim is to stem the problem which often sees few runners in both Saturday and mid-week racing in NSW, while Victorian fields remain strong.
The full release from Racing NSW is below:
Metropolitan Field Sizes And Country Participation
Racing NSW, in the past six months, has undertaken a detailed review and analysis on metropolitan field sizes.
After determining changes which were required to stem the problem, an extensive consultation period was then undertaken.
After taking into account input from the consultation process the Board of Racing NSW has resolved to implement the following changes from 1 October 2015, which are detailed below along with the reasoning behind the changes.
Spread of Weights – Benchmark and Open Handicap Weight Scale
• For benchmark races in NSW, increase the benchmark weight and minimum topweight from 59kg to 61kg.• For all other non-Group races, except two year old, maiden and class 1-3 races, increase the minimum topweight to 61kg at the time of weights release, 61kg for benchmark races and increase the minimum topweight to 60kg at acceptance time.
The compression of weights in benchmark and open races has created a disincentive for horses at or near the bottom of weights to contest these races. This is especially the case where a horse may be nominating in stronger or higher benchmarked races.
Increasing the benchmark level and minimum topweight level of open handicap races from 59kg to 61kg, achieves a 2kg increase in the spread of weights. This opens up these races to a greater number of horses.
“The increase in the benchmark weight and overall spread of weights will make for more competitive races and improve winning opportunities for more horses at the bottom of weights,” said Racing NSW’s Chief Executive, Mr Peter V’landys AM.
This new spread of weights sees a minimum 14 point range (increased from 10 points) between the topweight or benchmark level weight in races and horses on the limit of 54kg. As such more horses can carry a weight equating to their benchmark, without being disadvantaged by the weight scale.
Click on the following link to view the full document:- Metropolitan Field Sizes and Country Participation [PDF]
In addition, Racing NSW has introduced a ninth race to the metropolitan card, from December 1, 2015.
Approximately 40 Saturday meetings in Sydney from that date will feature a ‘Highway Handicap’ under the following conditions:
a. Restricted to bona fide country-trained and domiciled horses;
b. Races programmed at Class 2 or 3 level, with a mix of handicap and Plate races;
c. Prizemoney of $40,000, equivalent to the midweek level;
d. Run at a variety of distances between 1000m and 1800m inclusive;
e. Run at approximately 40 Sydney Saturday meetings
“Initiatives like the Highway Handicap have only become possible given the NSW State Government announcement on Wagering Tax Parity,” said V’Landys.
“Accordingly, we again express our immense appreciation to the Baird Government and in particular the Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Troy Grant.
“The Highway races will provide country trainers the encouragement to tackle city racing and give country owners the added thrill of having their horse race in Sydney on a Saturday.
“This represents an important further step by Racing NSW to build the vibrancy of racing in this State by featuring our crucial country sector.”
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