What does a ''handicap'' race mean in horse racing?

Horse racing includes the disciplines of riding, driving or vaulting with horses. A handicap race is a race in which horses carry different weights. A better horse will carry a heavier weight, to give it a disadvantage when racing against slower horses. The specified weight each horse must carry is called the 'impost', assigned by the racing secretary based on factors such as past performances. It equalizes the chances of the competitors. The track condition is closely linked to weather as rain/snow and the amount of sun affect the firmness of the turf or the condition of the dirt.

To supplement the combined weight of jockey and saddle, up to the assigned impost, lead weights are carried in saddle pads with pockets, called lead pads. The skill in betting on a handicap race lies in predicting which horse can overcome its handicap. Most handicap races are run for older and less valuable horses. Some great races are handicaps, such as the Grand National steeplechase in England and the Melbourne Cup in Australia.