In their simplest form, ratings in Horse Racing allow us to rank horses against each other.
Ratings are numerical values placed upon horses to determine their ability, eligibility to run in a certain race and weight they will be allocated in a handicap race.
How are ratings in horse racing calculated?
Ratings are not just calculated based on the literal result but a number of determining factors go into the final number including how much weight a horse carried, the ground, distance and draw.
The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) uses a poundage scale to assess what a horse has achieved in a race in relation to how many lengths it finished in front/behind a rival.
There are two different scales used across Jumps and Flat racing with weight carried mattering counting significantly more over longer distances and in deeper ground.
On average, a one mile race on the Flat is worth 2.1lbs/length whilst a three mile race over Jumps is worth 0.8lbs/length.
Previous performances also weigh heavy on any rating given to a horse.
The numerical value will not differ wildly from one run to the next due to differing factors that can lead to huge underperformance and overperformance.
This is of paramount importance when taking the handicap system into account.
Why does horse racing have a handicap system?
A horses handicap mark is ordinarily determined by their performance rating.
Handicap races allow horses to compete against each other on a level playing field via the allocation of weight.
The higher the horse is rated, the more weight it carries in comparison to a lower rated rival.
Handicapping is the best way to provide a winning opportunity to horses, irrespective of their ability. This enables a wide range of owners and trainers to compete with one another whilst still holding a realistic chance of success.
The Grand National is the most famous handicap race in the world.
