What is a Claimer in Horse Racing? Claimer (Jockey) Explained

What is a Claimer?

A claimer is a jockey who can claim an allowance when riding in a race.

Weight is the main factor in determining the outcome of races, particularly in handicaps. Horses are allocated a weight based on proven form and results against other runners in a race from the past. Jockeys can claim a certain amount of weight which reduces the horse’s burden and improves the chances of a win.

In theory, an inexperienced jockey is at a disadvantage compared to more experienced jockeys. An allowance is given when amateur or inexperienced riders compete against jockeys from the professional ranks, or with significantly more racing experience.

Allowances range from three pounds to seven pounds and depend on the number of winners the jockey has ridden.

An apprentice jockey is aged from 16 to 25 and a conditional jockey cannot be older than 26 but both can claim an allowance.  The weight received by a claimer could make a difference to the outcome of a race.

Check Out our Top Providers For Horse Racing

1.

4.6/5

Bet365 Review

Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net

Players from Virginia accepted

Bet now

Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

2.

4.6/5

BetMGM Review

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Players from Virginia accepted

Bet now

T&Cs apply, 21+

3.

4.5/5

FanDuel Review

Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass

Players from Virginia accepted

Bet now

T&Cs apply, 21+

4.

4.5/5

Caesars Review

First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000

Players from Virginia accepted

Bet now

T&Cs apply, 21+

5.

4.5/5

BetRivers.com Review

Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets

Players from Virginia accepted

Bet now

T&Cs apply, 21+

How is Claimer used in Sports Betting?

The owner and trainer are a horse’s connections and they are responsible for paying the bills and preparing the horse for racing. The third element is the jockey who rides the horse in a race.

The best jockeys are much sought after and can be worth a few lengths or few pounds. There are 450 professional jockeys and about 300 amateurs who can claim an allowance.

Claiming jockeys are either apprentices or conditionals and the allowance they receive depends on the number of races won. When a jockey reaches a set total the allowance is changed immediately.

A claimer reduces a horse’s race so in theory improves its chances. Some claimers are not worth the allowance while others are not far behind professionals in terms of ability so are better than the claim would suggest.

Punters must identify the best claiming jockeys as they will be given opportunities in major races because the allowance does not match the skills.

See Also:

Novice

Weight Cloths