The Members of Harness Racing Australia (HRA) have voted to make amendments to the National Ratings Based Handicapping System.
The rule changes were developed by the Ratings Review Team (RRT) and approved by the HRA Executive in their meeting of 16 September 2022.
Background and Overview of Changes
The RRT meet regularly to assess the performance of the national rating system and work together in ways to improve the system.
The data from the 2021 season proved the systems success, with the data analysis showing significant improvement, including many factors that are at industry high levels since records were taken. Turnover results across the states are also mirroring these statistics.
- 2021 total races of 14,720 is the most since 13/14; and
- 2021 individual starters of 9,819 is the most since 2017/18;
- 2021 individual winners of 5,970 the most since 2013/14;
- 2021 total starts of 130,519 is most since 2014/15;
- 2021 average starts per horse 13.3 is the highest since records were taken for this in 93/94; and
- 2021 average prizemoney per starter of $14,192 is the highest since records were taken for this in 93/94.
From an Australian crop perspective, the 2021 two-year old’s won 545 times, which was 140 more 2yo winners than the previous 12-months and an enormous 154 more winners ahead of the previous 10-year average of 391.
The 2021 three-year-old crop won 985 times which was 32 more 3yo winners than the previous 12-months and 76 winners ahead of the previous 10-year average of 909.
Finally, the favourites analysis shows a material reduction in the short price favourites from the introduction of the system – a 25% decrease in $1.90 favourites, 30% decrease in $1.60 favourites and 34%% reduction in $1.30 favourites.
As part of the ongoing review, the RRT identified four changes that are expected to further enhance the system from a competitive racing perspective, encompassing wagering, number of winners and starters and improve crop utilisation.
Reclassification of Two Year Old’s
As it stands, two-year old’s commence their careers at 35 ratings points. At transition to three, 15 points are added for those below 50, to a maximum of 50, whilst for those that exceed 50 points at two, they receive a half points discount for the amount over 50 points.
As part of the RRT’s ongoing review and analysis of the data, the RRT identified that the two-year-old starting point and the transition to three was hindering the system from a competitive racing viewpoint and can provide a leveller playing field for juveniles.
Further, the RRT identified that the transition was resulting in 94% of two-year old’s returning at 50 or below as three-year old’s in the next racing season. This was creating a ‘glut’ resulting in a stronger than expected 50-55 level which created difficulties in programming competitive races. This ‘glut’ has also affected the overall spread of the population in the system and the ability of states to program.
Of the 1,054 two-year old’s that raced in the system in 2021, 494 (47%) transitioned at 50, the starting point of an unraced horse. Of the 494 that transitioned at 50, 170 won between 2 and 5 races (34%), with the remaining 304 horses (0-1 wins) also returning as a three-year-old on the same level.
70 horses that won $20,000 or more as a two-year-old were transitioning at 50 points as a three-year-old alongside horses having their first start.
This transition was seen by the RRT as unjust to the moderately performed two- and three-year old’s, with these horses having to race multiple winners in the same ratings range upon turning three years of age.
Commencing with the two-year-old crop of 2023, two year old’s will commence their career at 50 ratings points. Upon transitioning as a three-year-old, horses will receive half points back (rounded up) over 50.
This change will allow programmers greater scope to program races according to rating, providing enhanced opportunities for two- and three-year old’s in the population by spreading the population to a fairer rating score according to two year old performances.
The rule change is:
4.1 A 2YO shall commence racing with a Rating of 50.
5.2 A horse aged 3YO or older that has raced as a 2YO shall thereafter commence to
race with its National Rating calculated by:
(a) if the National Rating of the horse is greater than 50 its Rating shall be
calculated by:
(i) adding to 50 half the number of points that its Rating exceeds 50 and
(ii) rounding up half points to a whole number.
Example: A 2YO rated NR59 at 31 December would thereafter commence racing
with a NR55.
(b) if the National Rating of the horse is 50 or less at 31 December that Rating
shall be applicable to when it next races.
Example: A 2YO rated NR39 at 31 December would retain that rating when it
thereafter commenced racing.
Allow State Controlling Bodies to select the concessions applied to two and three year old’s when racing older horses
Following on from the above amendment, the Australian Handicapping Rules will be changed to allow the State Controlling Bodies to select the discount to apply to two- and three-year old’s when and if racing older horses. This change will provide the State Controlling Bodies with flexibility to discount two- and three-year old’s given the varying populations and physical locality of venues and participants across each state.
The new rules read:
4.3 A 2YO that is nominated for an Open Age Race may claim a concession that is
defined at the discretion of the State Controlling Body.
5.3 A 3YO that is nominated for an Open Age Race may claim a concession that is
defined at the discretion of the State Controlling Body.
Promoting a horse to at least 40 ratings points upon winning
The RRT considered the racing population below 50 ratings points and reviewed the benefits of this demographic and the ability of these horses to continue to race like for like horses. The RRT was of the view that winners in the 30 -39 bracket should be promoted through the system further when winning.
This new rule promotes a horse winning with a rating of less than 40 ratings points to at least 40 points.
New Rule:
5.5 The Rating of a horse shall be calculated in accordance with these Rules excepting that the resultant Rating for a win shall be not less than 40.
Example 1:
A horse with a NR33 will automatically become NR40 for winning any race.
Example 2:
A horse with a NR39 that wins a $5000 race will accrue three rating points and become NR42.
Adjust rules in relation to exempt races
The rules have been adjusted with respect to ratings exempt races to allow a race to be ratings exempt if it is $3,000 or less at the designation of a state controlling body. The new rules will also allow the flexibility for a particular race to be exempt upon agreement of HRA as well as noting that only driving championship races will be exempt in Australia.
8.1 Ratings Exempt Races
A starter in a race in any of the following shall not accrue Rating Points as
provided by these Rules:
(a) World Drivers Championship held in Australia.
(b) Australasian Young Drivers Championship held in Australia.
New Rule:
(g) a race of $3,000 or less designated by a State Controlling Body.
(h) a race nominated by written application from a State Controlling Body and
approved by Harness Racing Australia.
Broaden the definition of Stakemoney
The definition of Stakemoney in the Australian Handicapping Rules has been redefined, as follows:
2.20 Stakemoney
The total Prizemoney specified in the published conditions of a race excluding GST when
applicable which:
- includes float rebates, time incentives and unconditional bonuses (including cash
and the retail value of vouchers, credit, goods and or services); and,
- excludes trophies and conditional bonuses (including breeding scheme and
Industry Association or Club Membership bonuses where a fee is applicable to be
eligible for that bonus).
Implementation
The changes to the Australian Handicapping Rules will have the following dates of effect:
- Reclassification of Two Year Old’s: 1 January 2023 for the 2023 two year old crop onwards;
- Allow State Controlling Bodies to select the concessions applied to two and three year old’s when racing older horses: From 1 January 2023;
- Promoting a horse to at least 40 ratings points upon winning: From 1 January 2023;
- Adjust rules in relation to exempt races: With immediate effect; and
- Broaden the definition of Stakemoney: With immediate effect.
For further information, contact HRA by email to hra@hra.com.au.
