Law Summary

I. Introduction

• This resolution, adopted by the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom), aims to revise and upgrade the handicapping system for two-year old race horses to ensure fair and balanced racing.
• The objective is to protect the betting public and the horse racing industry while promoting the development of horse racing.

II. Authority and Mandate

• Legal Authority: Philracom is empowered to prescribe rules and regulations regarding horse racing conduct.
• Objective: To create a dynamic handicapping system that minimizes human intervention and enhances the integrity of races.

III. Handicapping System Overview

• The revised system introduces several key changes to the classification and racing of two-year old horses.

A. Barrier Trials

• Replacement of Novato Races: Barrier Trials will now serve as the initial assessment for racehorses.

B. Maiden/Sweepstakes Races

• Horses from Barrier Trials and Sweepstakes Trials will participate in Maiden/Sweepstakes Races (limited to one race).
• Classification:
  • Winners, placers, and non-placers in these races will be categorized into respective groups.

C. Group Classifications

1. Non-Placers Group:

   • Winners advance to the Winners Group.
   • Placers advance to the Placers Group.
   • Consequences of 3 consecutive losses or a 4-week layoff lead to classification in Non-Placers Condition Race.

2. Placers Group:

   • Winners advance to the Winners Group.
   • Placers retain their classification.
   • Similar consequences for 3 consecutive losses or a 4-week layoff apply here as well.

3. Winners Group:

   • Winners move to Juvenile Division 1B.
   • Consequences of 2 continuous losses or a 4-week layoff lead to classification in Winners Group Condition Race.

D. Juvenile Division

• Classification is dependent on performance in the Juvenile Division or Juvenile Condition Race.
• 3 continuous losses or a 4-week layoff for non-placers can lead to classification in a Juvenile Condition Race.
• Merging of groups applies if there is no quorum in either the Winners Group or Juvenile Division.

IV. Key Definitions

• Winners Group: Horses that have won races and move to higher classifications.
• Placers Group: Horses that have placed in races but have not won.
• Non-Placers Group: Horses that have not placed in races.
• Juvenile Division: A specific classification for horses based on their performance in juvenile races.

V. Important Requirements and Procedures

• Classification Process: Must follow the outlined race performance and result-based criteria.
• Merging Protocol: Applies when there is no quorum in the respective groups, with specific weight adjustments.
• Timeframes: Specific conditions apply after a horse's consecutive losses or layoff periods, determining their classification.

VI. Consequences of Non-compliance

• Horses that do not meet performance criteria may be reclassified, impacting their eligibility for higher races and potential earnings.

Key Takeaways

• The revised handicapping system for two-year old race horses emphasizes a structured, performance-based classification system.
• It aims to enhance race integrity, protect the betting public, and ensure the longevity of horses in the racing industry.
• Compliance with the new guidelines is crucial for maintaining classification and eligibility in races.