In-depth Newmarket racecourse analysis and insights
Newmarket is home to two distinct courses - the Rowley Mile and the July Course. Known as the "Headquarters of British Racing", this historic venue has been hosting races since the early 1600s and remains one of the most prestigious tracks in the world.
The Rowley Mile is a straight, flat, right-handed track that features the longest straight mile in British racing. The course runs for one mile, two furlongs and 24 yards (2,011 metres), making it ideal for testing a horse's stamina and speed simultaneously.
Used primarily during summer months, the July Course is a right-handed, straight course slightly shorter than the Rowley Mile, running approximately 1 mile.
Newmarket's straight tracks mean there's minimal positional advantage. However, horses racing on the stands' side (right-hand side from the finish) often perform slightly better in larger fields due to fresher ground.
In sprints (5-6 furlongs), high draws (stands' side) show a slight statistical advantage. In 7 furlong+ races, the draw becomes less significant as horses have time to find their position.
Newmarket drains exceptionally well. Even after rain, the going rarely deteriorates beyond "good". Horses that handle fast ground excel here, while soft ground specialists should be avoided.
The dip 2 furlongs from home on the Rowley Mile can catch out inexperienced horses. Look for runners with proven course form or those trained by specialists like Appleby and Gosden who understand this unique feature.