Right-handed racecourses are tracks where horses race clockwise around the bends, turning to their right. Britain and Ireland have a mixture of right-handed and left-handed courses, as well as straight tracks and unusual layouts that cannot be explained by direction alone.
Track direction matters when assessing a horse’s form. Some horses jump, balance or travel more comfortably around bends in one direction. However, a previous win at a right-handed course does not guarantee that a horse will perform equally well at every other clockwise track.
The shape of the bends, gradients, racing surface, finishing straight and distance can all make a substantial difference.
British Racecourses covers the right-handed tracks in Britain and Ireland, their main characteristics and how to use course direction when studying a race.
What Is a Right-Handed Racecourse?
A right-handed racecourse is a track where horses travel clockwise around its bends. From above, the runners move in the same direction as the hands of a clock.
The opposite is a left-handed course, where horses travel anticlockwise and turn to their left.
The distinction is most relevant in races that involve bends. A straight sprint does not require a horse to negotiate a complete right-handed or left-handed circuit, even when the straight course forms part of a venue that also has a round track.
A racecourse may also have different configurations for Flat and jumps racing. When assessing a particular race, check the actual course and distance being used rather than relying only on the venue’s general description.
Our left-handed racecourses page covers tracks where runners race anticlockwise.
List of Right-Handed Flat Racecourses in Britain
The British Horseracing Authority’s published Flat-course classification identifies the following right-handed courses. Newmarket appears twice because the Rowley Mile and July Course are separate racing configurations.
| Racecourse | Main characteristic |
|---|---|
| Ascot | Right-handed round course with a demanding finish |
| Beverley | Right-handed Yorkshire track with an uphill finish |
| Carlisle | Right-handed course with an undulating layout |
| Goodwood | Right-handed, undulating course with a distinctive downhill section |
| Hamilton Park | Right-handed round course alongside a straight sprint track |
| Kempton Park | Right-handed all-weather Flat course |
| Leicester | Right-handed round course with a separate straight course |
| Musselburgh | Right-handed round course with a relatively sharp layout |
| Newmarket Rowley Mile | Right-handed configuration with a long, testing straight |
| Newmarket July Course | Right-handed configuration used during the summer |
| Ripon | Right-handed course with a long finishing straight |
| Salisbury | Right-handed course with a stiff finish |
| Sandown Park | Right-handed course with an uphill finish |
| Windsor | Right-handed, figure-of-eight-shaped course |
These classifications describe the Flat racing layouts. Some of the same venues also stage jumps racing, where the course configuration and racing demands may differ.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot is a right-handed venue staging both Flat and National Hunt racing. Its round course is broad and galloping, with a demanding uphill finish.
The track hosts Royal Ascot, British Champions Day and major jumps meetings. Horses need to cope with the course’s gradients as well as its direction, particularly when races develop into sustained tests of stamina.
A strong performance at Ascot is useful evidence of a horse’s ability to handle the track, but it should not be treated as proof that every right-handed course will suit.
Beverley Racecourse
Beverley is a right-handed Flat course in East Yorkshire. Its round track and uphill finish create a different test from the wider, more galloping courses elsewhere in Britain.
The five-furlong course has its own characteristics, so form over that trip should be assessed separately from races around the bends.
Draw and early position can matter in individual races. Check the distance, field size and prevailing conditions before assuming that a previous course result will be repeated.
Carlisle Racecourse
Carlisle stages Flat and jumps racing on a right-handed track. Its undulations and uphill finish can make the course demanding, particularly when the ground is testing.
The course’s physical demands are important when comparing form. A horse that stays strongly on a flatter track may still need to prove it can maintain its effort through Carlisle’s finish.
Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood is a right-handed Flat course with pronounced gradients and a distinctive layout.
Its downhill sections, bends and relatively short finishing straight can place a premium on balance and race position. The demands vary by distance, with some races starting on different parts of the course.
Goodwood form is therefore more specific than simply showing that a horse can race clockwise. A runner may handle another right-handed venue yet struggle with Goodwood’s undulations.
Hamilton Park Racecourse
Hamilton Park stages Flat racing in Scotland. Its round course is right-handed, while its straight course provides a different test for sprint runners.
When studying a horse’s previous Hamilton form, establish whether the race was run around a bend or on the straight. The venue’s right-handed classification does not make direction a factor in every race staged there.
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park has a right-handed all-weather Flat track and a separate jumps course.
The all-weather surface and track layout distinguish Kempton from right-handed turf venues. Horses with strong form on Polytrack may not reproduce the same performance on turf, and the reverse can also apply.
When comparing Kempton form with another all-weather course, consider the surface, distance and bend configuration rather than treating all synthetic tracks as identical.
Leicester Racecourse
Leicester has a right-handed round course and a separate straight course. It stages both Flat and National Hunt racing.
A horse’s record at Leicester should be assessed by the distance and course used. Straight-course form tells you less about its ability to handle right-handed bends than a performance on the round track.
Musselburgh Racecourse
Musselburgh is a right-handed Scottish course staging Flat and jumps racing.
Its relatively sharp layout can make positioning important, especially in races where the pace is modest and runners have limited time to make up ground after turning for home.
A horse that travels comfortably around the bends may be suited by the course, but the likely pace and ground conditions still need to support its chance.
Newmarket Racecourses
Newmarket has two principal racing configurations: the Rowley Mile and the July Course. Both appear in the BHA’s right-handed Flat-course classification.
The two courses should not be treated as identical. Their layouts, gradients and race distances create different demands, and much of Newmarket’s racing takes place on straight sections.
A horse’s Newmarket record is more useful when you identify which course it raced on and whether its previous race involved a bend.
Ripon Racecourse
Ripon is a right-handed Flat course in North Yorkshire.
Its long finishing straight gives runners time to build momentum, although race position and the shape of the earlier bends can still affect how a contest develops.
Ripon is another example of why the direction of a course is only one part of its character.
Salisbury Racecourse
Salisbury is a right-handed Flat course with a demanding finish.
Horses need to sustain their effort through the closing stages, particularly in races where the pace has been strong. A runner’s stamina and ability to handle the course’s gradients may be more important than a general preference for clockwise racing.
Sandown Park Racecourse
Sandown stages Flat and National Hunt racing on a right-handed course.
Its uphill finish is a defining characteristic. On the jumps course, horses also need to jump accurately while maintaining their position and energy around the circuit.
Sandown form can be particularly useful when a horse returns under similar conditions, but compare the relevant Flat or jumps course and race distance.
Windsor Racecourse
Windsor is a right-handed Flat course with a distinctive figure-of-eight-shaped layout.
The unusual shape makes Windsor different from a conventional oval track. Its configuration can affect positioning and the way races unfold around the bends.
When assessing a horse’s Windsor form, consider the trip and starting position rather than assuming that every race at the venue provides the same test.
Right-Handed Jumps Racecourses in Britain
Several British racecourses are especially relevant when assessing horses that jump more comfortably right-handed. These include Exeter, Hereford, Huntingdon, Ludlow, Market Rasen, Perth, Taunton and Wincanton.
Some venues in the Flat-course list, including Ascot, Carlisle, Kempton, Leicester, Musselburgh and Sandown, also stage right-handed jumps racing.
Exeter Racecourse
Exeter is a right-handed National Hunt course with an undulating layout and a demanding finish.
Its physical demands make stamina and jumping rhythm important. A horse that has performed well at Exeter may have shown it can cope with a right-handed course and a sustained test, but those qualities should be assessed separately.
Hereford Racecourse
Hereford is a right-handed jumps venue.
Its layout provides a different test from more undulating courses such as Exeter. A horse’s ability to jump fluently around right-handed bends may be relevant, particularly if it has shown a tendency to jump in one direction elsewhere.
Huntingdon Racecourse
Huntingdon is a right-handed National Hunt course with a relatively flat, galloping layout.
Its characteristics differ considerably from tight or steeply undulating jumps tracks. Horses that travel well and jump fluently can be suited by the course, although the race pace and ground remain important.
Ludlow Racecourse
Ludlow is a right-handed jumps course with a turning layout.
Positioning and efficient jumping can matter around its bends. A horse that loses ground by jumping left may be worth examining closely before racing here, especially over fences.
Market Rasen Racecourse
Market Rasen is a right-handed National Hunt course in Lincolnshire.
Its layout rewards horses that maintain a good jumping rhythm. Previous form at the course can help assess a runner’s suitability, particularly when it returns over a similar distance and on comparable ground.
Perth Racecourse
Perth is a right-handed jumps course in Scotland.
The course stages racing through the warmer months and attracts runners from Britain and Ireland. Its relatively sharp configuration can make efficient jumping and race position important.
A horse that has repeatedly jumped left should be assessed carefully when switching to Perth, although one previous jumping error is not enough to establish a directional preference.
Taunton Racecourse
Taunton is a right-handed National Hunt course in Somerset.
Its turning layout can reward horses that jump accurately and hold their position. A runner that needs time to find its rhythm may face a different test here from one on a wider, more galloping course.
Wincanton Racecourse
Wincanton is a right-handed jumps course in Somerset.
Its bends and relatively sharp layout make it useful to assess how a horse jumps and travels when racing clockwise. Previous form at Wincanton can provide evidence of course suitability, but the distance and ground should also match today’s conditions.
Right-Handed Racecourses in Ireland
Ireland has a number of right-handed racecourses, including tracks used for Flat racing, National Hunt racing and both codes.
The Irish courses covered in this section include Ballinrobe, Clonmel, Cork, Down Royal, Downpatrick, Fairyhouse, Galway, Gowran Park, Kilbeggan, Limerick and Punchestown.
Irish racecourses differ considerably in shape. A horse that handles one right-handed venue may still need to prove itself on another with sharper bends, steeper gradients or a different finishing straight.
Ballinrobe Racecourse
Ballinrobe is a right-handed course in County Mayo, staging Flat and National Hunt racing.
Its relatively sharp layout and short run-in can make race position important. A horse that takes time to build momentum may face a different test here from one at a more galloping course.
Clonmel Racecourse
Clonmel is a right-handed, undulating course in County Tipperary.
Its gradients and bends create a demanding test, particularly in National Hunt races. A horse’s ability to jump and maintain its effort on the climb can be as important as its directional preference.
Cork Racecourse
Cork is a right-handed venue at Mallow, staging Flat and jumps racing.
Its comparatively level layout provides a different test from more undulating Irish tracks. Check whether a horse’s previous Cork performance came on the Flat or over jumps and whether today’s race is over a similar distance.
Down Royal Racecourse
Down Royal is a right-handed course in County Down, Northern Ireland.
It stages Flat and National Hunt racing, including major jumps fixtures. The course’s direction is relevant when assessing a horse’s jumping, but the race distance and likely ground conditions also matter.
Downpatrick Racecourse
Downpatrick is a right-handed National Hunt course in County Down.
Its undulations and distinctive layout create a different test from Down Royal, despite both courses being in the same county and racing clockwise.
Course-specific form can therefore be particularly useful when a horse returns to Downpatrick.
Fairyhouse Racecourse
Fairyhouse is a right-handed course in County Meath, staging Flat and National Hunt racing.
It hosts the Irish Grand National and other major jumps races. A horse’s ability to jump accurately and sustain its effort over the relevant distance is important when assessing its chance at the course.
Galway Racecourse
Galway is a right-handed, undulating course that stages Flat and National Hunt racing.
Its layout and gradients make it a distinctive test. Horses that travel well around a conventional right-handed oval may still need to prove they can handle Galway’s course.
The Galway Festival attracts competitive fields, so assess the strength of a horse’s previous course form as well as its finishing position.
Gowran Park Racecourse
Gowran Park is a right-handed, undulating course in County Kilkenny.
It stages both Flat and jumps racing. The course’s gradients can place an emphasis on stamina, particularly when the ground is testing.
Kilbeggan Racecourse
Kilbeggan is a right-handed National Hunt course in County Westmeath.
Its sharp, turning layout can make race position and jumping efficiency important. A horse that repeatedly loses ground at its fences may struggle to recover that position around a tight circuit.
Limerick Racecourse
Limerick is a right-handed course staging Flat and National Hunt racing.
Its undulating layout can provide a demanding test. Compare a horse’s previous performances over similar distances and on comparable ground before treating a course win as a reliable indicator.
Punchestown Racecourse
Punchestown is a right-handed National Hunt venue in County Kildare.
It hosts major jumps races and the Punchestown Festival. The course’s layout, fences and race distances mean that jumping ability and stamina are central to assessing a runner’s chance.
A horse that has performed well at Punchestown has demonstrated more than an ability to race clockwise. Its course form should still be considered in the context of the particular race and conditions.
Does a Horse Prefer Right-Handed or Left-Handed Racecourses?
Some horses appear to perform more consistently in one direction. This may be connected to their balance, way of moving, jumping technique or ability to negotiate bends.
A preference is more convincing when it appears across several races under comparable conditions. One poor run at a left-handed course and one good run at a right-handed course are not enough to establish a reliable pattern.
Consider whether the horse faced different opposition, distances, going, or race pace in those performances.
A horse may also handle both directions well. Track direction should not be used to dismiss a runner that has already shown suitable form under today’s conditions.
Why Track Direction Matters More in Jump Racing
Direction can be particularly relevant when a horse consistently jumps to one side.
A horse that jumps right may lose ground or interfere with its own rhythm when racing around a left-handed course. Returning to a right-handed track may help it jump more efficiently, although the individual fences and race conditions still matter.
The same principle applies to a horse that repeatedly jumps left when asked to race clockwise.
Look for a consistent pattern in race replays and form comments. A single mistake may have been caused by an awkward approach, interference or loss of concentration rather than a lasting directional tendency.
A horse’s jumping technique should also be assessed alongside its ability to stay the distance. Fluent jumping is valuable, but it cannot compensate for a lack of stamina in a strongly run race.
Does Track Direction Matter in Flat Racing?
Direction can affect a Flat horse’s balance and ability to hold its position around bends. It is most relevant in races where runners spend a meaningful part of the contest turning.
A horse with a strong record at right-handed tracks may be of interest when returning to a similar configuration. However, it is important to compare the sharpness of the bends and the course’s other characteristics.
Straight races require a different assessment. At a venue such as Newmarket or Hamilton, a horse’s performance on the straight course does not provide the same evidence about its ability to race clockwise as a run around a right-handed bend.
The horse racing draw can also influence how a race develops, particularly when the starting position affects the distance to the first bend.
How to Use Right-Handed Course Form When Studying a Race
Start with the horse’s performances on the same course. A previous run over a similar distance and on comparable ground is generally more informative than a broad record at every right-handed venue.
Next, examine performances at other clockwise tracks. Look for repeated evidence that the horse travels, corners or jumps more efficiently in that direction.
Then assess the differences between the courses. A horse that has won at Sandown has handled a right-handed track with an uphill finish, but that does not establish that it will be suited by the sharper layout at Musselburgh.
Race pace is another consideration. A front-runner may be able to control a race around a turning course if it secures an uncontested lead. A hold-up horse may need a clear passage and enough finishing straight to make up ground.
Our horse racing pace maps guide explains how the likely early positions of runners can affect the race.
Finally, compare the horse’s overall ability with the opposition. Track direction can strengthen or weaken a selection, but it should not outweigh a substantial difference in form or an unsuitable handicap mark.
Are Right-Handed Racecourses Faster Than Left-Handed Courses?
No. Direction alone does not determine whether a racecourse produces fast times.
The racing surface, going, gradients, bend configuration, distance and weather can all affect race times. A flat, galloping right-handed course may produce a very different test from a sharp, undulating course that turns in the same direction.
Comparing raw times across different venues can therefore be misleading. Assess performances in the context of the course and conditions.
Right-Handed Racecourses FAQs
What does right-handed mean in horse racing?
A right-handed course is one where horses race clockwise around the bends, turning to their right.
Is Ascot right-handed?
Yes. Ascot is a right-handed racecourse that stages Flat and National Hunt racing. Its uphill finish and gradients are important parts of the test.
Is Cheltenham right-handed?
No. Cheltenham is a left-handed racecourse. Its runners travel anticlockwise around the bends.
Is Kempton right-handed?
Yes. Kempton’s all-weather Flat course is right-handed, and the venue also stages right-handed jumps racing.
Is Newmarket right-handed?
The BHA classifies both Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and July Course as right-handed Flat-course configurations. Many races are run on straight sections, so direction is not equally relevant to every race.
Is Windsor a right-handed racecourse?
Yes. Windsor is classified as right-handed, although its distinctive figure-of-eight-shaped layout makes it different from a conventional oval course.
Can a horse race on both right-handed and left-handed courses?
Yes. Many horses perform well in both directions. A directional preference is most useful when supported by a consistent pattern in the horse’s previous performances.
Do horses that jump right prefer right-handed courses?
A horse that repeatedly jumps right may be better suited by a right-handed course, but it is not guaranteed. Assess the horse’s jumping across several races and consider the fences, ground and distance.
Are all races at a right-handed venue run around right-handed bends?
No. Some venues have straight courses or different configurations. Check the specific race distance and course before deciding whether direction is relevant.
Summary
Right-handed racecourses are tracks where horses travel clockwise around the bends. Britain and Ireland have a wide variety of clockwise venues, ranging from broad, galloping courses to sharp, undulating tracks.
Direction can be particularly useful when assessing a jump horse that consistently favours one side. In Flat racing, it may affect balance and positioning around bends, although straight-course races require a different approach.
The strongest course assessment combines direction with the actual track layout, distance, going, pace and a horse’s previous performances. A right-handed course win is useful evidence, but form at the same venue under similar conditions is usually the better starting point.
