Kelso

Left-handed and generally flat, Kelso is a fair track with separate hurdle and chase courses, the hurdles circuit being around a furlong shorter. Although traditionally regarded as a stamina test, alterations made in 2012 moved the final obstacles closer to the winning post, shortening the run-in and reducing the emphasis on stamina.

On good or quicker ground, Kelso can ride relatively sharp, making speed, rhythm and a good tactical position important. Conditions can change significantly during midwinter, however, when soft or heavy ground turns the course into a much more gruelling examination. Even with the shorter run-in, races can change dramatically late on as tiring horses come under pressure.

The chase course has historically recorded a relatively high casualty rate, although this has decreased in more recent years as the fences appear to have become less demanding. Overall, Kelso remains a fair but searching course, rewarding horses that travel efficiently while possessing sufficient stamina to cope when conditions become testing.