RPR stands for Racing Post Rating. It is a performance rating given to each horse racing runner by the Racing Post’s handicappers after every run. With RPR in horse racing, a higher number represents a better performance. It is shown on Racing Post racecards alongside the Official Rating (OR) and Topspeed (TS). In practice, it helps you interpret the figures printed next to each runner’s name.
How Racing Post Ratings Work
The handicappers consider several factors when assigning a figure, including the distance beaten, the weight carried and the quality of the opposition. Each run receives its own rating. A horse builds up a record of RPRs over its career, so its best and most recent figures show both its peak level and its current form. The rating is not a speed figure. It is a form rating expressed in pounds, on the same scale as official handicap marks, so figures for different horses can be compared directly. This distinction matters when comparing RPR with other published figures.
RPR vs Official Rating vs Topspeed
These three ratings appear side by side on a racecard, but they measure different things.
| Rating | Who produces it | What it measures |
| RPR | Racing Post handicappers | Performance in each race |
| OR (Official Rating) | British Horseracing Authority | Handicap mark used to set weights |
| TS (Topspeed) | Racing Post | Time-based rating |
What does RPR mean in horse racing when set against the OR? Put simply, the two are independent figures and can differ. The OR is set by the racing authorities to determine weights for UK handicap races. The Racing Post compiles the RPR after each run, based on the horse’s performance in that specific race. Topspeed ratings are calculated by comparing a horse’s time with a standard time for the same course and distance, with adjustments for weight carried and ground conditions. None of these figures predicts future outcomes. They are historical measures of what a horse has already achieved.
How to Read RPR on a Racecard
On a Racing Post racecard, the RPR has its own column next to the OR and TS, and is adjusted for the weight the horse carries that day. The best RPR is shown on a black background, and a green arrow indicates improved form. Comparing the RPR figures between runners can give you a sense of how they have performed in recent races relative to one another. However, the RPR is a guide to past performance, not a prediction of future results. Race conditions, distance and going can all affect how a horse performs on the day.
For example, a racecard might show Horse A with OR 85, RPR 92 and TS 80, and Horse B with OR 88, RPR 84 and TS 83. Horse A’s RPR above its OR suggests its last run was better than its handicap mark, while Horse B’s lower RPR points to a below-par run. Both are past figures, not predictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good RPR?
It depends on the class of race. Top-class Flat horses may reach the 130s or higher, while horses in the lowest-grade Flat handicaps are typically rated in the 45–65 range, well below 70.
Is RPR the same as Official Rating?
No. The OR is set by the British Horseracing Authority. The RPR is produced by the Racing Post. The two figures serve different purposes and should be read separately. For how bets on races work, see our horse racing bets guide.
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