How does the weather impact different horses and track types?

On the whole, the British weather is unsettled and precipitation, in particular, can have a significant impact on the performance of some horses and the way in which some racecourses ride. The clerk of the course at each racecourse is required to provide a going description, which is determined by measuring the amount of moisture in the ground and, on turf, can range from ‘firm’ to ‘heavy’.

Some horses are capable of producing their best from on various types of going, whereas others have a distinct preference for one type or another. Thus, an accurate description of the prevailing underfoot conditions is vital information for the connections of a horse – that is, its owner and trainer – when it comes to deciding where and when it should run, and for punters when it does run. Indeed, unsuitable going is often cited by jockeys and trainers as a plausible explanation if a horse runs below expectations, while the reverse is also true.

Each British racecourse is unique, in terms of its shape and topography, but none of them is completely flat and, naturally enough, moisture drains from the highest part of the course to the lowest. Particularly on the Flat, where starting stalls are used, some racecourses have a pronounced draw bias at different distances. Significant precipitation can exacerbate any such bias or, in some cases, even reverse it.

On soft or heavy going, horses drawn on the wide outside may hold an advantage by virtue of racing on fresher, less churned up ground than those drawn on the inner. At numerous racecourses, including Ascot, Beverley, Brighton, Carlisle, Catterick, Epsom and Pontefract, it is not unusual to see jockeys making for the higher side of the track in search of faster ground.