Clonmel

Right-handed and undulating, Clonmel is a tight oval circuit of around a mile and a quarter. Runners climb during the first part of the circuit before beginning a lengthy descent towards the home straight, where the ground rises again towards the finish. Its configuration generally favours handy horses and can make life difficult for those held up.

Managing energy is particularly important on the climb along the far side. Horses asked for a serious effort there can struggle to sustain their challenge, while front-runners able to conserve energy often prove difficult to catch. The course’s distinctive demands can also produce specialists that repeatedly perform well here.

There are seven fences to a circuit, with two situated in the home straight. The second-last is particularly challenging, approached downhill when tiring horses can be travelling faster than is comfortable. Overall, Clonmel rewards tactical positioning, efficient jumping and horses capable of conserving sufficient energy for the rising finish.