Glenn,

The apprentices' claim is simply a weight allowance to take into account an apprentice's lack of experience compared to a senior jockey. In most races, using a 'claiming' apprentice can mean that a horse carries up to 3 kgs less than it's handicap weight. As such, you'll often see them riding horses near the top of the weights. However, in those races where 'apprentices can't claim', the horse doesn't get any weight allowance at all and most owners and trainers are reluctant to use a 'claiming' apprentice in one of these races, unless they are very reliable.


[ This Message was edited by: sportznut on 2004-03-09 11:53 ]