Kilbeggan

Right-handed, tight and undulating, Kilbeggan is a sharp circuit of around nine furlongs where agility, tactical speed and track position are particularly important. Horses spend much of their races turning, making the course less suitable for long-striding gallopers and more favourable to handy types that can maintain their momentum around the bends.

The chase and hurdle courses provide somewhat different tests. The chase track runs outside the particularly tight hurdles circuit and features six fences to a lap. A sharp turn after the second-last presents an additional challenge before runners tackle an uphill run-in of around 300 yards. Hold-up horses can struggle to become involved unless those racing prominently set an excessively strong pace.

The constant turns and undulations can help keep quirky horses focused, while proven course specialists frequently perform well. Overall, Kilbeggan rewards nimble horses that travel comfortably, race handily and adapt readily to its unconventional configuration, with efficient jumping and balance more important than the attributes of a traditional staying galloper.