why punish the losers mr Handicapper

Frodo wrote: Here we go again :ohmy:

Just because the application of the system is somewhat flawed, it does not mean that we have to re-introduce something that has been tried, tested and found to be wanting

keniza999 wrote: If a horse fails to win but runs close enough to the winner it often get punished for running well and in many instances it's winning chance is taken away. Is it not time to scrap this practise mr handicapper and allow runner-ups a chance to win a race before their ratings are raised? no matter what rating was achieved i say runner ups should never be punished. i have many examples of runner-ups who got stopped from winning.

louisg wrote: You have hit the nail on the head Ken. That's the very crux of my argument. Consistency is punished. A horse can go through divisions by being consistent, yet not winning. This application of the system encourages poor form, inconsistency and dishonesty.

Mini Tycoon wrote:

keniza999 wrote: If a horse fails to win but runs close enough to the winner it often get punished for running well and in many instances it's winning chance is taken away. Is it not time to scrap this practise mr handicapper and allow runner-ups a chance to win a race before their ratings are raised? no matter what rating was achieved i say runner ups should never be punished. i have many examples of runner-ups who got stopped from winning.

Blah blah blah..So what are you proposing for handicaps then? All horses who suddenly improve their form get what? I take it we are talking about handicaps, which is where the handicapper applies his handicap?

The handicapper is applying a system or rule where he tries to orchestrate a dead-heat should these same horses run again (in a handicap). You suggest what? Go through the 100 horses each meeting and not adjust improvers?

If you have many examples of the "stopped" horses, you must find the non-stopped winners everywhere. Anyone can criticize, offering an improvement after all this time would be worth the read. The rule now says the handicapper must give every runner a winning chance, not just the horses you think got close and deserved a win. Change the rule then.

Federico wrote: Well said Ken,
I am surprised that this subject would ever raise debate. The undeniable truth is that a thorough that does not win should not be penalised. This is a disservice to the horse, the trainer and the owner.