Impost
impost
Impost
Impost.
The lead weights are put into the saddle pad in order to add weight to that of the jockey so they meet the impost set forth by the racing secretary. The impost is a weight assigned in handicapping races in an attempt to equalize the chances for all of the horses in the race. "Better" horses are assigned higher imposts.
Yes.
150pounds
Hanicapping is a complicated method which is practiced in racehorses to try and make the race more even. The best horses will be given the highest weight to carry, and the more inferior horses will carry less, the aim is too make the race more even chanced, although usually the best horses will do best because they will have the best jockeys, and probably very light jockeys.
They watch what they eat / drink, and get plenty of exercise.
It depends. If it is a non-handicap race, you want to be as light as you can be. If it is a handicap race, however, it depends on how much weight the horse is supposed to carry. You want to be as close to that weight as possible. Like, if the horse is carrying 100 pounds and the tack weighs 5 pounds, you want to be 95 pounds or maybe a little bit less. the reason you want to be as close to the weight as possible is because they put dead weight to make up for the weight the jockey and saddle don't provide and it is easier for the horse to run with live weight (you) than dead weight (the weights that are put in the tack).
they don't have to be they are normally because less weight makes them go faster
ET or handicap racing is when the weight of a horse is adjusted according to their age. There is also a sex allowance for fillies.
The Clerk of Scales is the official (under the Racing Secretary's Office) who "runs" the Jockeys Room, weighing the jockeys out before a race and reporting any discrepancies in their weight to the stewards. His job is to make certain the jockeys are at or under the legal weight for that race's (and their mount's) allowance. The Clerk of Scales also notes and reports any changes of jockeys or of silks, and provides the Paymaster of Purses with a list of riding fees due each jockey that day. This is also the official who can be seen in the Winner's Circle after the race, recording the weight of every rider (and his gear) after he or she dismounts, to make certain no "weight was dropped" after the jockey's pre-race weigh-in.