Clonmel Course Guide

A right-handed oval of about ten furlongs in length, with a downhill run to the straight then a rise to the line.

On quick ground, a low draw is a big help from the mile-and-a-quarter and mile-and-a-half starts, as you turn quite a lot between there and the top of the hill so a good ground-saving position can make a big difference. On softer ground, it is easier to come from off the pace, as the stiff finish can sort out those that have done too much and bring them back to the closers. It’s a track that can very much suit front runners if they are left alone, as there is a great opportunity to get a breather into them coasting down the hill.

View from the saddle: Mick Kinane

A right-handed, oval track with a circuit of around a mile and a quarter. The first part of the circuit is uphill before a long downhill run to the home straight of a little over two furlongs where the ground is again on the climb. There are seven fences to a circuit of the chase course with a long run after the third last, two fences in the home straight and a run-in of around 150 yards.

I always found Clonmel to be a tricky track to ride. It is difficult to come from off the pace unless they go a particularly strong pace. You simply have to get a breather into your horse going up that hill on the far side. If you see a rider asking for effort up that hill, you’ll rarely see them get home in the race. In general, it is quite a good track for front runners and I found that it did produce course specialists. In terms of the fences, the second-last is particularly tricky. You’re running downhill to it and some horses that are feeling the pinch are going to be going faster than they are comfortable at and it can catch plenty of them out.

View from the saddle: Charlie Swan