No Discretion Ratings Handicapping System to continue

Following the successful trial in which most elements of discretion were removed from the ratings handicapping system, the HRNZ Board has resolved to continue the format for the foreseeable future.

The ‘No Discretion’ system will take over from the extended ‘No Discretion Trial’ from Monday 14 October 2019. The following are the key recommendations of the Handicapping Sub-Committee that have been subsequently approved by the Board.

Race Winners’ Matrix
A simplified, four-step Race Winners’ Matrix was approved for use from 14 October. It is available to view here

Rating Floor for Multiple race winners
Horses that have won two or more races shall not be permitted to drop to a rating below R45. 
Note: this will not be applied retrospectively. Horses rated R41-R44 that have won two or more totalisator races will not be permitted to drop any further than their rating at 14 October 2019.

Treatment of Unplaced Horses

• Handicappers have the ability to drop unplaced horses (6th to last) up to a maximum of three points, if the horse in question is rated from R61 to R80 and has had at least three unplaced starts since its last win or re-rating.
• Handicappers have the ability to drop unplaced horses (6th to last) up to a maximum of three points, if the horse in question is rated from R81 to R99 and has had at least two unplaced starts since its last win or re-rating.
• Horses rated R100 and above may be re-rated by Handicappers following an unplaced run (6th to last) up to a maximum of three points.

2YO Concessions

• 2YOs winning their first race with a stake of $20,000 or less capped at R50.
• 2YOs males winning their first race with a stake in excess of $20,000 receive four points.
• 2YOs fillies winning their first race with a stake in excess of $20,000 receive three points.
• All 2YO wins following the first 2YO win shall be applied as follows: four points for 2YO males, three points for 2YO fillies, regardless of stake. 

The complete updated Guiding Principles of the Ratings Handicapping System are available to view here 

Andrew Morris
Handicapper