The Board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing announced today that it has approved a number of changes to the Ratings-Based Handicapping (RBH) system and race programming.
These changes will come into effect from Wednesday, 1 August, 2007.
Horses in New Zealand currently average only 5.5 starts per season, compared to an average of 6.0 starts in the 1995-96 season (and currently 6.3 starts in Australia). It is the goal of NZTR to increase this average number of starts per horse per season through a number of initiatives, including the introduction of Free Racing, changes to the RBH system and adjustments to race programming.
In March 2007, a review was undertaken into the RBH System and the basis of race programming. Representatives from NZTR, racing club managers, trainers and other stakeholders conducted this review.
As a consequence of this review a number of changes were recommended to the Board and subsequently approved at its last meeting.
The changes to be made are in four principal areas:
New Ratings Bands: The concept of a 10-point ‘break’ between ratings bands was initially raised at Regional Programming meetings in January, 2007. Subsequent statistical analysis identified that 10-point ratings bands provide a more even split of runners. Crucially, clubs will still have some flexibility under the new RBH bands to programme races with an alternative rating band.
The new standard bands will be:
Maiden
Rating 70 and under
Rating 80 and under
Rating 90 and under
Open
The above bands provide for a more even distribution of horses throughout the ratings bands. One key aspect of the changes is to relieve the pressure on horses, within the lower division of ratings (those rated 76 and below), from gaining a start.
Re-rating Placed horses: The policy to not re-rate horses to the next grade for a placed performance within their own grade has been in place from the inception of the RBH System on 1 August, 2005. For example, a horse rated 76 (top of that band) that finishes second in a Rating 76 grade race would receive no penalty. That is, it would remain on a rating of 76.
The Board approved the review’s recommendation that horses gaining a placed performance in a race outside of their class be included under this provision.
This is specifically aimed at increasing participation, by encouraging lower-rated horses to race in higher grades, without being re-rated out of their current grade for a placed performance.
It should be noted that this policy still allows horses to be re-rated within their grade and also be re-rated out of their grade for a win in a higher graded race and a win or place performance in a Black Type race.
Timing of Programmes: It was also agreed to release all programmes three months in advance, replacing the current four-month programmes. This will provide greater flexibility in programming.
Centralisation of Programming: NZTR is committed to centralising the programming of races. NZTR is currently implementing a project plan, with the aim of introducing centralised programming over the next six to 12 months.
More information concerning centralised programming will be released as it becomes available.
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