STRATFORD-ON-AVON Racecourse
A practical guide to STRATFORD-ON-AVON Racecourse, including its track layout, jumping test and the courses most likely to provide useful form clues.
About STRATFORD-ON-AVON Racecourse
Nestled beside the River Avon, Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse is a compact, left-handed National Hunt track renowned for its sharp bends and straightforward fences. Racing has been held here since the 1830s, giving the venue a long and proud history. It has become one of the country's leading summer jumping courses, offering competitive racing in a relaxed countryside setting.
Key Characteristics
The Stratford-on-Avon course is a sharp triangular and flat left handed course of approximately a mile and a quarter with eight easy fences per circuit.
Course Summary
Track: Very tight left handed track with an easy finish. Advertisement
Fences: Easy
Interesting Facts About Stratford Racecourse
Racing at Stratford dates back to 1718
The earliest recorded racing associated with Stratford took place in 1718 at nearby Shottery Meadow. This was almost 40 years before regular racing was established at the present racecourse, making Stratford one of Britain's older racing locations.
David Garrick and Shakespeare
Stratford racing has a remarkable connection with the theatre. The celebrated actor and theatre manager David Garrick helped promote racing during his famous Shakespeare Jubilee in 1769. A Jubilee Cup was staged as part of the celebrations, linking Stratford's racing tradition with its Shakespearean heritage.
The water jump is a Stratford landmark
The water jump is one of Stratford's most recognisable features and is positioned in front of the grandstand. It is jumped during the earlier circuits of a chase but is omitted on the final circuit, adding an unusual feature to the jumping test.
The Stratford Foxhunter has a special place in hunter chasing
The Stratford Foxhunter, first run in 1959, has become one of the most important hunter chases in the calendar. It is traditionally regarded as one of the three major hunter-chase races alongside the equivalent events at Cheltenham and Aintree.
The River Avon can cause problems
Stratford's attractive riverside setting comes with a downside. The racecourse is vulnerable to flooding when the River Avon rises, and there have been occasions when parts of the course and its facilities have been affected by significant water levels.
Similar Courses
Form from the following courses may be particularly relevant when assessing runners at STRATFORD-ON-AVON:
- Aintree
- Fontwell
- Kelso
- Bangor
- Newton Abbot
- Southwell
- Kempton
- Market Rasen Course map
Course Map
