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Race Dates

New - Benchmark Races - Information

NZTR in conjunction with the Southern Regional Programming Committee (SRPC) will trial a limited number of ‘Benchmark Rating’ races between 1 August and 15 November. This trial follows extensive consultation with South Island based Industry participants.  

‘Benchmark Rating' races are open to all horses three-years-old and up, irrespective of their rating.  Horses rated above the nominated benchmark for the race will be weighted upwards from 58kg.

The benchmark figures for ‘Benchmark Rating’ races have been set at either 85 or 90. These races are designed to increase opportunities for open class horses while continuing to cater for horses rated 75-85, by increasing the spread of weights.  

They are required because of the limited number of genuine open class horses in the South Island and the resultant limited number of opportunities for those horses to race. They have been programmed  to avoid impacting open races at Feature and Premier meetings.  

The table below is an example of how a ‘Benchmark Rating 90’ race might look:

 In addition to trialling ‘Benchmark Rating’ races, ‘0-1 win’ races will also be trialed for horses that have not won more than one flat race.

Initially these races will be programmed in conjunction with Rating 70 races. However, if successful, they will replace Rating 70 races entirely, leaving horses that have won more than one race to contest either Rating 75 or Rating 65 races depending on their eligibility.  

‘One win’ horses will also remain eligible for Rating 65 or Rating 75 races depending on their rating.  

Ultimately, these races will enable an increase in the number of Rating 65 and Rating 75 races programmed and provide a better mix of options for trainers of horses rated 60-75, which comprise a significantly higher percentage of the overall horse population in the South Island than in either the Northern or Central Regions.

 ‘0-1 win’ races will be run under set weights conditions, with allowances for fillies and mares and  maidens.

 It is hoped that these race types will address certain programming issues that are unique to the South Island and have arisen as a result of increasing participation levels in the region, particularly at the lower end of the rating scale.