Striving for excellence in any competitive environment, and achieving it, results in the true result of defining CHAMPIONS. Furthermore, the events that define these are structured on a non-handicap basis. I can cite numerous examples of this, but will limit myself to just two recent examples of true champions, mostly untainted because they competed, and proved themselves on a non-handicap basis. One is human, the other equine.
In my humble opinion, Usain Bolt is currently the best sprinter on the planet. His records prove this. He wins because he is the best. And, there is no need to force him in his races to carry a rucksack with 20kg lead weight to “level the playing fields” and give the opposition a chance.
In my humble opinion, Frankel was the best racehorse to grace the turf in my lifetime. He won because he was the best. 14 times he appeared on the track, and 14 times he was victorious. Best of all, like Usain Bolt, his victories were all on a non-handicap, or if you will WFA terms. In both the above examples, these superb athletes have not had their magnificent ability damaged by a handicap system, or worse still by a handicapper.
Indeed, it is because of the absence of handicapping that true competition and excellence prevails. Why do owners buy race horses and what do they dream of? Ultimately, it’s to own a CHAMPION. The system of handicapping in South Africa should be scrapped and replaced with Conditions Racing on a Weight For Age Basis. Why?
1. It promotes excellence. The current system perpetuates mediocrity.
2. It will increase tote turnover because winners are easier to predict.
3. It will increase race horse sales. Owners will get rid of bad horses a lot quicker.
4. It will eliminate the need for handicappers and as a consequence there will be no more bickering about the fairness of handicapping
As South Africans, we do what we do and we are the way we are because we are mostly “followers”. That’s why we stay bottom of the pile. We are too scared to change. But, we should be brave enough to be “leaders” and do what’s best for ourselves. Act now, institute weight for age racing and bask in the excellence that will follow.
Andy Kay (racegoer for more than 50 years) – via email
