geedy up

[peb9]

why are jockeys and their saddles weighed at the end of a race?

[andrea81]

I imagine to make sure there isn't a weight difference from their weigh-in at the start. If it's lighter or heavieer then there is foul play!

[Quizmonster]

To ensure that they have not completed the run with less weight than they started out with, either fraudulently or by accident. In handicap races, for example, weight is allocated to horses so that - in theory at least - all the runners should cross the finishing-line together. It never happens, of course. However, the extra weight over and above the jockey's own is provided, if necessary, by metal plates in their saddle-cloths. These might fall out and that would give that horse an unfair advantage. Hence, the weigh-in.

[Quizmonster]

Ah! Your answer was not there when I started to type mine, Andrea.

[peb9]

cheers peeps for takin the time to reply!

[andrea81]

Thats ok, Quizmonster

You sound like you know more... I only guesses from my days twirling around the 'coral betting shop listening to my grampy!

Ah the memories!

[lankeela]

Also inexperienced (or unsuccessful!) jockeys get a weight allowance, so their horse carries less weight than that of a better jockey.

[fredpuli47]

And, to complete the picture, the Rules of Racing allow for a jockey to weigh less (or more) at the end of the race than at the weigh-in at the beginning.That's to allow for his losing weight because of his exertions during the race, or for his gaining weight by getting covered in mud during it. The margins allowed are not great, so the jockey who disposes of three pounds of lead at the end of a straight 7 furlongs over the Rowley Mile Course at Newmarket is not going to escape by pleading it. :)