Handicapper

What is a Handicapper?

A Handicapper is someone who assigns weights or ratings to horses in a race to even the competition, based on each horse’s past performance.

 

Some of the key responsibilities of a Handicapper include:

  • Assessing horse performance.
  • Assigning ratings.
  • Assigning weights in handicap races.
  • Updating horse ratings.
  • Determine eligibility for rating-based races.
  • Collaborate with racing clubs to create race programs.
  • Respond to trainer queries or disputes about ratings.

A Handicapper is a key racing official who ensures competitive fairness in handicap races by rating horses’ abilities and assigning race weights accordingly. They help keep racing competitive, fair, and interesting for owners, trainers, punters, and the public.

 

Leading

Steps to becoming a Handicapper

  • Tertiary Education
  • Business and Analytics Experience

  • Ability to analyse field information
  • Understanding of rating-based system
  • Able to verify horse eligibility
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Work well in a team
  • Knowledge of handicapping systems
  • Strong racing background (10 years experience)
  • Capable of using Microsoft Office software
  • Sound knowledge of the Rules of Racing and the Racing Act
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • High ethical standards