RV to give lower grade horses more opportunities

[Chief Stipe]

RV to trial new ratings

www.racing.com

Victoria is set to provide lower-rated horses with increased chances of success, with a trial introduction from September of new ratings categories.

Racing Victoria on Thursday morning announced that, after a proposal from the Australian Trainers' Association and Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners' Association, the new ratings categories are set to better serve the vast population of horses with low handicap ratings in the 50s and 60s.

"The creation of the new categories aims to provide these lower-rated horses, which make up a sizeable portion of the horse population, with more chances to compete against similarly matched opposition," the RV release stated.

"The sliding prizemoney scale seeks to create a clear point of difference between categories to foster more competitive racing, whilst rewarding progression up the ratings bands."

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The new categories and their minimum prizemoney levels are as follows:

• Benchmark 66 / 0-66 - $27,000;

• Benchmark 62 / 0-62 - $27,000;

• Benchmark 56 / 0-56 - $22,000; and

• Benchmark 52 / 0-52 - $22,000.

RV said the new categories will be trialed throughout season 2025-26.

WATCH: Hear from Aaron Morrison

[Freda]

Well done RV.