How does weighing out work?

Under Rule 59 of the NHA Rules of Racing:

• You must be weighed out by the clerk of the scales at least 20 minutes before the official start time of the race.
• Before weighing you out, the clerk checks you are allowed to ride, have an approved serviceable skull cap, and have a clean medical record book or a fitness clearance. You also need a clean saddle cloth with your horse's race-card number.
• Everything you and the horse carry counts in your weight except the saddle cloth, skull cap, goggles, blinkers, pacifiers, tongue tie or strap, crop, neck strap, bridle (including pricker and noseband), rings, muzzle, sectional timing device and anything on the horse's legs or hooves.
• Extra weight goes only in a weight bag under the saddle, and must be metal.
• Your weight is treated as 1.0 kg less than the scale shows, because of the compulsory body protector.
• Overweight by more than 0.5 kg: take the excess off and re-weigh, or declare it to be displayed as overweight. The stewards decide whether you may ride; if not, the trainer may substitute a rider within 0.5 kg (up to 1.5 kg in Pattern races, by agreement with the stewards), or the horse is scratched.

After weighing out, stay in the weighing room or jockeys' quarters until the clerk sends you to the parade ring. Failing to weigh out at carded weight: R1 000 (May 2026 guidelines; a 4th offence brings an automatic riding weight restriction).