What is the lead weight carried by a horse in racing called?

Answer 1

Good question! In certain races (usually called Handicap) a horse's previous wins are taken into consideration. A horse that has many wins will carry extra weight in special pockets on the saddle. This is to even the odds a little when running against greener horses or horses that don't have as many wins. If you have ever seen the movie Seabiscuit you will see on some of his races he carries little square weights in the saddle. It seems unfair but I guess it's not, just a way to level out the playing field a little.

Answer 2

A lighter jockey is required to carry weights to even out his advantage.

Answer 3

In the saddle cloth

Answer 4

The Clerk of Scales at the race track.

Answer 5

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