Cheltenham
Cheltenham is at the heart of almost every aspect of Jump racing. This is the place where owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and breeders dream of having winners. There are 16 racedays throughout the season from The Festival™ presented by Magners to the Hunter Chase evening at the end of the season. The track is left handed, undulating with fences that place a premium on sound jumping. The last half mile is uphill, although the lead changes hands on the run-in less frequently than expected. Horses who race prominently often fare well on the chase course, especially in shorter-distance races. On the New Course, the hurdles track has just two flights in the last six furlongs, resulting in more emphasis on stamina; large-field races over two miles often go to hold-up horses, as there can be a tendency to go for home too soon.
Just about every jump jockey’s favourite track to be riding around, but that’s not to say it’s easy in any way shape or form. In fact, you need a very good horse even to get around on, not just due to it being the host to a lot of top-class and competitive action, but because the layout of the track and its fences really takes some jumping. It’s undulating and the downhill fences are tricky at speed, and if you are not traveling in your comfort zone throughout the race it’s nigh on impossible to play a hand in the finish; you just can’t give away ground anywhere. The last half-mile is always a real scrap, and you need plenty in the tank for the last furlong up a hill that just keeps on climbing.