Handicap marks

are lowered

FOLLOWING a statistical review of the flat handicap file, and in line with recent established practice, the IHRB’s flat handicappers have implemented an interim drop of up to 2lb on the general level of most handicap-level horses, which will take effect from next Monday.

IHRB senior flat handicapper Garry O’Gorman stated: “Historically there has always been inflation of the handicap file through a season whereby that level gets too high relative to the blacktype animals whose level is on the international scale.

“The drop is intended to level the playing field between blacktype horses competing against ordinary handicap level horses in high-class handicaps such as at the forthcoming Longines Irish Champions weekend.”

Extra Dundalk fixture

OVER 150 entries have been received for the additional meeting at Dundalk Stadium next Thursday. The fixture was added this week, following the recent rescheduling of the Laytown meeting from next Thursday to Monday, November 1st.