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True Weight Update

On 3 August 2018, Racing NSW announced a new important initiative to be introduced from 1 September 2018, being a true weight allowance of up to 2kg in Saturday benchmark and open handicap races.

By way of update, Racing NSW has, pursuant to its general control and supervision of thoroughbred racing in New South Wales, determined that for the first two months of this new important change, being September and October 2018, a rider must not ride at less than 52 kilograms (subject to apprentice claims) rather than the 51 kilograms referred to in LR25A(1). All other aspects of the rule continue to apply.

True Weight Allowance Rule

LR25A If a horse’s true weight in an open handicap or benchmark race (other than Group Races, Listed Races and Restricted Listed Races) held at a Saturday metropolitan race meeting is below the minimum weight allocated pursuant to AR103(3)(d) and LR25:

1. 1. Subject to sub-rule (2), the rider of such horse is permitted to ride at that true weight, provided that a rider must not ride at less than 51 kilograms;
   2. Notwithstanding and in addition to the provisions of LR25A (1), an apprentice jockey may also claim any allowance that he or she is entitled to in accordance with the provisions of AR92 and LR70 (such allowance to be claimed against the higher of that true weight and 51 kilograms);
   3. A declaration that a rider or apprentice jockey intends to ride below the minimum weight pursuant to AR103(3)(d) and LR25 must be made to Racing NSW in writing by not later than 9am on the day of acceptances. The declaration must include the weight upon which the rider shall ride such horse at; and
   4. Where a rider has been declared to ride below the minimum weight in accordance with LR25A (3) and is found to be overweight, the rider or any other person at fault commits an offence and may be penalised. Stewards may permit another rider to be substituted at the declared weight, or nearer to the declared weight.

[rule added 1.8.18]