Cheltenham

Left-handed and undulating, Cheltenham is a demanding, galloping track that places a premium on stamina, tactical positioning and sound jumping. The fences are stiff, with the fourth-last particularly challenging as it arrives shortly after a turn at the top of the hill. The final half-mile is uphill, providing a searching finish when horses begin to tire.

Cheltenham has two main tracks, the Old and New Courses, with the Old Course generally riding the quicker. Horses that travel strongly and can take gaps when they appear are well suited to both. Prominent racers often fare particularly well over fences, while large-field two-mile hurdles can favour those ridden with greater patience.

The New Course presents a different test, with only two hurdles in the final six furlongs, increasing the emphasis on stamina. In winter, jockeys may also search for better ground out wide.

Overall, Cheltenham rewards horses that travel, jump efficiently and possess the stamina to finish strongly.