Leicester

Right-handed and undulating, Leicester is a testing track with a gradual uphill finish extending for around three furlongs. Races are often steadily run, meaning fields can remain tightly grouped into the early part of the straight before the emphasis on stamina begins to tell.

Hurdle races take place on the Flat course, which can become particularly testing during winter due partly to watering throughout the summer. On soft ground, horses racing wide can often find better conditions and gain an advantage. The chase course generally rides slightly quicker, although field sizes over fences tend to be relatively small.

Leicester’s fences provide a meaningful jumping test, with some obstacles capable of catching horses out, particularly the second in the back straight. Accurate jumping and maintaining a good rhythm are therefore important. Overall, Leicester rewards horses with sufficient tactical speed to hold their position alongside the stamina and jumping ability required to cope with its undulations and prolonged uphill finish.