Wetherby
FLAT: Wetherby added Flat racing to their jumps programme in 2015. The course is left-handed, flat and approximately a mile and a half in circumference. There is no straight sprint track, and because of the position of the bends, sprints are run over 5½ furlongs, starting on a chute near the end of the back straight.
NATIONAL HUNT: Left handed, galloping. Nine fences to a circuit again now, though the four in the home straight have been switched to the inside of the hurdles track after problems caused by the realignment of the nearby A1. The signs are the fences still punish those who aren't accurate. It's a very fair test for any horse but is ideal for the free-running, long-striding sort.
Home to one of the great early-season staying chase tests in the shape of the Charlie Hall, which has seen some awesome chasing champions make their seasonal debuts over the years. Although the track changed a bit a few years back, it still is regarded as one of the best National Hunt courses in the north. It’s a good jumping test and a nice galloping track, normally with nice ground conditions. The fences command a bit of respect, and the track generally requires a good amount of stamina as races are always well run. It’s a longish way up the straight and the last hundred yards or so can see things change dramatically when conditions are testing.