News

New rules for Benchmark programming and handicapping

6th Dec 2011

Racenet - Nic Ashman - Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Racing NSW has announced significant changes to the Benchmark programming and handicapping system that will take effect from January 1, 2012.

The new handicapping and programming model was introduced in 2009 and was reviewed in 2010 with some adjustments made.

The 2011 review took into consideration industry feedback and consultation with trainer representatives, RICG (Racing Industry Consultative Group which includes jockey, race club and breeder representatives) and NSW Racehorse Owners Association.

The changes in metropolitan racing are aimed at providing more opportunities for two and three-year-olds. They include:

• An increased weight allowance for three-year-olds to encourage participation in open age Saturday handicap races against older horses, including a lower minimum of 53kg for three-year-olds when older horses have the new (ARB) 54kg minimum (not to apply to Black Type races).

• More two-year-old set weights and penalties races pre January 1 each year to alleviate the quickly performing two-year-old’s carrying high weights in handicaps.

• More two-year-old distance races in May, June and July to provide options after the autumn carnival.

• The above races will lead into a newly created two-year-old and three-year-old Set Weights and Penalties race, the metropolitan final (early proposed name is the Significant Stakes).

The changes in provincial racing are aimed at providing more opportunities for horses transitioning to metropolitan level. They include:

• Continue the hybrid system of Class 1, 2 racing and Benchmark racing.

• Increase the number of Benchmark 70 and 75 races to provide more options for higher level provincial horses .

The changes in country racing are aimed at providing more opportunities for lightly raced horses. They include:

• Continue the hybrid system of Class 1, 2, 3 racing and Benchmark racing

• Increase the number of Class 1, 2 and 3 races if the regional horse population can support more of these races.

• Racing NSW handicappers to format a lower entry point for horses in maiden class and also lower into Class 1 after winning maiden.

• Introduce Class 1 and maiden combined set weight races originally at 1600 metres and further to provide a set weight opportunity for a horse to gain its second (or first) win.

• Include the unplaced NSW starters fee in total horse earnings when determining ballot order for NSW maidens.