Aside from usual classic flat races and the conditions races, we also have handicap races. In British horse racing, handicap races are races where horses are rated by handicapper and are given certain weights to carry according to their ability. The concept behind handicapping is fairness; weights are used to make the races fair so that poorer horses still have a chance of competing against better horses.
Horses that are entering handicap races are divided into 6 classes, namely Class 2 to Class 7. Class 1 is for horses competing in conditions races. Handicaps of rating 86-100, 91-105 and 96-110 are categorized as Class 2, also known as the Heritage Handicaps. In Class 3, we have handicaps of 76-90 and 81-95. Handicaps of rating 66-80 and 71-85 are categorized as Class 4, while those of rating 56-70 and 61-75 are categorized as Class 5. We have handicaps of rating 46-60 and 51-65 in Class 6, and handicaps of rating 46-50 in Class 7.
One of the most important things to pay close attention to when you are watching – or betting on – handicap races is the quality of each horse. In order to carefully determine the winner and enjoy the race to the fullest, you need to be able to read handicaps and determine if the horses competing are showing similar level of abilities.
Some handicap races are also very prestigious, with some of the best horses in the country competing for the title of champion. Now that you know the basics of handicap races, you can enjoy this type of horse races even more.