Courses
Loughbrickland
Track info
County: Down |
Soil Type: |
Fences per circuit: 5 |
Fences per 3 mile race: 16 |
Direction: Left-Handed |
Course Distance: 0.84m |
Elevation Change (Highest to Lowest Point): |
TRACK GUIDE
Loughbrickland has been the long-standing course for the Co. Downs over many decades and it is a galloping track.
Beginning on the approach to the home straight, the runners climb on their way around the home bend, with the opening obstacle coming up quite quickly after this bend. This is also the final fence on the last circuit, with a good-sized run-in before the runners pass the post and make their way to fence two.
After jumping the second obstacle, the runners are soon beginning to take the long gently curving bend that will bring them into the back straight on the long run which exists between fences two and three.
Midway through this bend, the descent gets steeper as the runners arrive in the back straight, but there is still a good run before the third obstacle. Once jumping it, there is a left-handed bend along the back with a further two fences awaiting as the track begins to climb back to their point of departure.
2003 Aintree Grand National winner Bindaree is the undoubted star performer that has graduated from Loughbrickland maiden success, whilst Cheltenham Festival winner Andytown, Graded winner Benatar, dual Grade 2 victor Scotsirish and two-time Punchestown Festival winner Howaya Pet, are others to have begun their careers with victory at the Co. Down course.
MARK O'HARE
Loughbrickland is a good track where it is an advantage to have a horse that travels for you and is a sharp jumper.
It can be a test of stamina at times as there is a right pull from the far corner all the way to the line and it takes a bit of jumping as they have good solid fences.
You are always turning, so it is a track that gives you an advantage if you ride it on the inner. It seems to have a good record of producing nice young horses.