Racing terms
Handicap
A handicap is a race in which an official handicapper allocates each runner a weight intended to bring the field together at the finish, with better horses carrying more. Weight is a real physical variable: roughly a length per kilogram over a middle distance is the traditional rule of thumb. Handicaps make up the majority of Australian racing, in contrast to set-weights and weight-for-age events where allocation follows fixed scales.
In use
The topweight carried 60kg while the lightweight had 54kg.
Related terms
BenchmarkA rating-based handicap class where weight follows each horse's rating.HandicapperThe official who sets ratings and allocates weight.Apprentice ClaimThe weight allowance an apprentice jockey takes off a horse's assigned weight.ClassThe quality level of a race and the horses eligible for it.