Temporary Rule amendment as of 24th April 2020

The TRNT Board, after considering a number of submissions from Territory trainers in recent days and consulting with the Australian Jockeys’ Association (AJA), who has given its support, has amended the NT minimum weight to 55kg (it had been at 56kg from 23 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

The 55kg minimum for all handicap races will come into force from 24 April 2020 and remain in place until further notice.

It was felt that the 56kg minimum was too harsh on horses at the top of the handicap, certainly in the higher stakemoney races, and now that riders are again permitted to fly between Darwin and Alice Springs (and vice-versa), the reasons for increasing the minimum weight had diminished somewhat.

Incidentally, Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA), after originally implementing a 2kg increase to its minimum weights, have revised the change and altered its minimum to 55kg.

As a result of this decision the Board has endorsed amendments to NT Local Rules 105, 106 & 107 pertaining to the minimum handicap weights and set weight maiden scale. The TRNT overweight policy 028 has also been revised to incorporate the changed minimum riding weight (see below). These revised documents are available on the TRNT website.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY RULE AND POLICY CHANGES

WEIGHTS, PENALTIES AND ALLOWANCES              

NT105   All maiden races run in the Northern Territory will be run at set weights.        

Set weight maiden scale is as follows:

 August-November

4yo and up geldings and entires        - 59.5kg;

4yo and up mares                               - 57.5kg;

3yo colts and geldings                        - 57kg;

3yo fillies                                             - 55kg.

December-March

4yo and up geldings and entires        - 59.5kg;

4yo and up mares                               - 57.0kg;

3yo colts and geldings                        - 57.5kg;

3yo fillies                                             - 55.5kg;

2yo colts and geldings                        - 56.5kg;   

2yo fillies                                             - 54.5kg.

April-July

4yo and up geldings and entires        - 59.0kg;

4yo and up mares                               - 57.0kg;

3yo colts and geldings                        - 59.5kg;

3yo fillies                                             - 56.5kg;

2yo colts and geldings                        - 57.5kg;   

2yo fillies                                             - 55.5kg.

NT106   Unless otherwise provided for in the conditions of the race, at the time set down for the declaration of weights the minimum handicap weights shall be:

              (a) Where the total prizemoney is less than $30,000 -  56 kg

              (b) Where the total prizemoney is $30,000 or more  - 55kg

NT107   For all handicap races where the prize money exceeds $70,000, unless otherwise provided for in the conditions of the race, at the time set down for the declaration of weights, the lowest allotted weight shall not be greater than 55kg.  

OVERWEIGHT POLICY

(Temporary measure effective 24th April 2020 until further notice)

1. Riders are permitted to weigh out 1kg overweight when the handicap weight is on the minimum of 55kg. The rider must gain the approval of the relevant trainer and then must seek permission from the Stewards.

2. Riders are permitted to weigh out 1/2kg overweight up to the handicap weight of 56.5kg. The rider must gain the approval of the trainer and can then seek permission from the Clerk of Scales prior to weighing out.

3. At their discretion, the Stewards may grant permission for a rider to weigh out overweight outside these guidelines where no other suitable rider is available and take any action they deem appropriate.

4. Claiming apprentices will not be permitted to utilise the overweight guidelines unless there is no other rider available.