The official website of the Irish Harness Racing Association

Handicap review

Following a midterm review the new handicap system the following changes have now been implemented, changes will be implemented from a horses last alteration upwards or downwards

  • Horse can only get a lift based on a winning run.

  • Horses that don’t earn 6 point in their last four starts drop one grade.
  • Horses in grades A1 to A5 only that don’t earn 5 points in their last two starts drop one grade.
  • A dead heat is taken as 3 points.
  • In Pacing races 3rd place prize money less than €100 is not included in the points system.
  • Win =8 points/Lift of one grade
  • 2nd = 3 points
  • 3rd = 2 points (€100 or more prize money/pacing races only)