Understanding Speed Figures

Speed figures—also called performance ratings or speed ratings—attempt to quantify how fast a horse ran in a given race. Unlike raw finishing positions, they account for distance, going, and sometimes class. Used well, they help you compare horses across different races and spot those who've run better than their form figures suggest.

Timeform Ratings

Timeform has been producing ratings since 1948. Their figures are expressed as a number, typically between 50 and 130+ for top-class horses. The higher the number, the better the performance. Timeform ratings are adjusted for going, distance, and the strength of the race. A horse who wins a weak maiden might get 75. The same performance in a strong handicap might get 85. The idea is to create a level playing field for comparison. p and + symbols indicate potential. A p suggests the horse may improve; a + suggests it could be better than the figure. These are subjective assessments, not pure maths.

Racing Post Ratings (RPR)

Racing Post Ratings (RPR) are published in the Racing Post and on their website. Like Timeform, they're performance-based: how fast did the horse run, adjusted for conditions? RPRs typically range from around 40 (poor maidens) to 120+ (Group 1 winners). A useful rule of thumb: 100+ is top-class form; 90–100 is Listed/Group standard; 80–90 is decent handicap form. RPRs are free to access for recent runs. They're a quick way to compare horses. If Horse A has run to 95 twice and Horse B has run to 88 at best, Horse A has shown a higher level of form—assuming the figures are comparable (same discipline, similar conditions).

BHA Official Ratings (OR)

Official Ratings are set by the BHA handicapper for handicap races. They're not speed figures in the same sense—they're designed to equalise chances in handicaps. But they're related: a horse who runs to a high RPR will typically get a high OR when the handicapper reassesses. ORs matter when a horse is "well in"—it has run to a figure above its current rating and hasn't been reassessed yet. Or when it's "wrong at the weights"—raised too much for a narrow win.

How to Use Speed Figures for Betting

Comparing across races

Form figures tell you where a horse finished. Speed figures tell you how well it ran. A horse who finished 4th in a strong race might have run to 90. A horse who won a weak race might have run to 85. The 4th has actually shown better form. Practical example: Horse A won a Class 4 handicap, RPR 82. Horse B was 3rd in a Class 3 handicap, RPR 88. On form figures, Horse A looks better (1 vs 3). On ratings, Horse B has run to a higher level. If they meet in a Class 3, Horse B might be the value at 5/1 while Horse A is 3/1.

Spotting improvement

A horse whose RPRs are trending up—78, 82, 86—is improving. One whose figures are flat or declining might have peaked. Trends aren't infallible, but they add context.

Identifying underperformers

A horse with a high OR but low recent RPRs might be out of form or badly handicapped. Conversely, a horse with a modest OR but a recent RPR that matches or exceeds it might be well treated. The figures help you see whether the handicapper has caught up or left a horse with scope.

When Speed Figures Matter Most

Handicaps – Ratings are central. Comparing ORs and RPRs helps you find horses who are well in or overrated. Class comparisons – When a horse steps up or down in class, figures help you judge whether it belongs. A horse with a peak RPR of 92 stepping into a Listed race (typically 95–100+) might struggle. One with 98 stepping down might dominate. Going changes – Speed figures are adjusted for going, but extreme conditions can make figures less reliable. A horse who ran to 90 on good to firm might run to 85 on heavy—or might not handle it at all. Use figures as a guide, not a substitute for going preference. Small fields – In 3- or 4-runner races, tactics matter more than raw speed. Figures are less predictive. In big handicaps, they're more useful.

Limitations

Speed figures aren't perfect. They rely on accurate timing and going assessment. A wrongly assessed going description can skew the figure. Some ratings providers use different methodologies—a Timeform 100 isn't directly comparable to an RPR 100. Use them as one input among many, alongside race card analysis and value assessment.