Racecourses can be either right-handed or left-handed, referring to the direction in which the horses run.
Right-handed courses, where the horses race in a clockwise direction, are popular for their unique layouts and challenging tracks.
We list all the right-handed racecourses in the UK and Ireland.
List of UK Racecourses That Run Clockwise
Here are the right handed UK racecourses:
- Ascot Racecourse – Ascot is a right-handed course, meaning the racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is renowned for its flat racing and hosts the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting.
- Beverley Racecourse – Beverley is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is known for its challenging uphill finish and picturesque setting.
- Exeter Racecourse – Exeter is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is noted for its National Hunt racing and undulating terrain.
- Goodwood Racecourse – Goodwood is a right-handed course, so racehorses run in a clockwise direction. The course is famous for its scenic views and unique undulating layout.
- Hereford Racecourse – Hereford is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It features a flat and oval-shaped track primarily used for National Hunt racing.
- Huntingdon Racecourse – Huntingdon is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is known for its level ground and excellent drainage, providing good racing conditions.
- Kempton Park Racecourse – Kempton Park is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is unique for its all-weather track and is also known for its National Hunt races.
- Leicester Racecourse – Leicester is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It offers both flat and National Hunt racing with a mix of sharp and undulating sections.
- Ludlow Racecourse – Ludlow is a right-handed course, so racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and tight, turning track.
- Market Rasen Racecourse – Market Rasen is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is unique for its National Hunt racing and challenging jumps.
- Musselburgh Racecourse – Musselburgh is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is known for its flat racing and proximity to the coast, offering good ground conditions.
- Perth Racecourse – Perth is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is celebrated for its picturesque setting and National Hunt racing events.
- Ripon Racecourse – Ripon is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is often called the “Garden Racecourse” due to its beautiful surroundings.
- Royal Windsor Racecourse – Royal Windsor is a figure-of-eight track, offering a unique racing experience where racehorses run in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. It is known for its summer evening meetings.
- Salisbury Racecourse – Salisbury is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is recognised for its picturesque location and long history of racing.
- Sandown Racecourse – Sandown is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is famous for both flat and National Hunt racing, with a notable uphill finish.
- Taunton Racecourse – Taunton is a right-handed course, meaning racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is the newest National Hunt course in England and known for its sharp turns.
- Wincanton Racecourse – Wincanton is a right-handed course where racehorses run in a clockwise direction. It is renowned for its National Hunt racing and challenging jumps.
List of Irish Racecourses That Run Clockwise
Here are the right handed Irish racecourses:
- Ballinrobe Racecourse is located in County Mayo. This right-handed track is known for its flat and National Hunt races. It is the only racecourse in Mayo, offering a picturesque setting with a one-mile and one-furlong circuit
- Clonmel Racecourse – Located in County Tipperary, this track is right-handed and undulating, with both flat and jumps racing.
- Cork Racecourse – This right-handed track is known for being fair, fast, and dead-level, and it hosts both flat and National Hunt racing.
- Down Royal Racecourse in County Down is a right-handed track that hosts both flat and National Hunt racing. It is renowned for its high-quality races, including the prestigious Northern Ireland Festival of Racing.
- Downpatrick Racecourse, also in County Down, is a right-handed, undulating track. It primarily hosts National Hunt racing and is noted for being one of the oldest racecourses in Ireland
- Fairyhouse Racecourse – Situated in County Meath, this right-handed oblong-shaped track hosts the famous Irish Grand National and various other National Hunt and flat races.
- Galway Racecourse – Located in County Galway, this right-handed, almost rectangular track hosts both flat and jumps racing, most notably the iconic Galway Festival.
- Gowran Park Racecourse – This right-handed undulating track in County Kilkenny is used for both flat and National Hunt races.
- Kilbeggan Racecourse – In County Westmeath, this right-handed sharp undulating track favours front runners and is used solely for jumps racing.
- Limerick Racecourse – This right-handed undulating track in County Limerick hosts both flat and National Hunt races.
- Punchestown Racecourse – Near Naas, County Kildare, this major right-handed track is known for its undulating terrain and is primarily used for National Hunt racing.
When and where were the first right-handed racecourses built in the UK?
The first right-handed racecourses in the UK, such as Ascot and Ayr, were constructed during the early stages of formalised horse racing in Britain.
These venues played a pivotal role in shaping the modern racing landscape, with Ascot Racecourse, known for its elegant royal connections, standing out as one of the most prestigious locations for flat racing in the world.
Ayr Racecourse, steeped in rich Scottish tradition, added a unique flair to the racing calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Right Handed Racecourses?
Right Handed Racecourses are horse racing tracks that are designed to be run in a clockwise direction. This means that the horses will be turning to their right as they run.
How many Right Handed Racecourses are there in the UK?
There are a total of 48 Right Handed Racecourses in the UK, making it the most common type of racecourse in the country.
Can left handed horses race on Right Handed Racecourses?
Yes, left handed horses can race on Right Handed Racecourses, however, they may find it more challenging as they are used to turning to their left. On the other hand, right handed horses may have an advantage on these tracks.
