But for Wingatui apprentice jockey Jacob Lowry, it just makes his weight challenges even harder.
Lowry has been battling weight issues in recent months, culminating in a two-day suspension at Ashburton last month after he told stewards he could not make the weight for his three rides that day.
His suspension ends after tomorrow's Otago Racing Club meeting at Wingatui.
Lowry spent the last week looking after High Forty on his trip to Ellerslie, and intends to take another week or two off riding to sort his weight out.
''I've had a good rest and will probably have another week off and won't worry about my weight too much,'' Lowry said as he took a break from sweeping out the training barn at White Robe Lodge yesterday.
''I've had a wee peek every now and then and it seems to be a bit more stable.''
Lowry intends to make some minor tweaks to his dietary and fitness regime, but said the break he was taking at the moment would be a big help.
''I think the main thing is I need a good break,'' he said. ''I haven't had a good break since I started riding two and a-half years ago. Not that it's an excuse, but it's just a chance to lighten up a wee bit and not to worry too much.
''I want to come back properly. You don't want to come back struggling again or it will be the same situation.''
Lowry feels a riding weight of 56kg is a good target.
''Even if I can ride 56kg pretty consistently for a start and work my way down from there.
''The lighter you can ride, the more opportunities you can get but in the best interests, you've probably got to ride where you can do your best for the owners and trainers.''
Getting his weight to a manageable figure would also help with race day strength. The power-to-weight ratio is an important factor for jockeys as they try to control 500kg animals galloping in excess of 50kmh.
''It makes you a better rider in general - if you turn up to the races feeling 100%, you're going to give 100%. If you turn up feeling 80, you're only giving 80.
''I'm probably a bit more switched on with the way I'm eating. There are a few more things I can tighten up, but just drinking plenty of water.''
Lowry will ride the smart mare Coulee at Gore on September 23, although she is likely to be top weight in the rating 90 1200m, then Lowry will ''see what happens'' after that.
Lowry was the leading Wingatui-based jockey last season, riding 31 winners including black type victories with Timy Tyler, Tommy Tucker (twice) and Coulee.
Riding winners and working in the industry are in the blood and Lowry intends to keep going as long as his weight allows.
''I think that's the only thing keeping me in the game - because I love it. I don't go and starve myself for a couple of days for no reason. I've still got the passion and I always will, I think.''
