Taylorstown

TRACK GUIDE

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Taylorstown has been the long-standing home to the Newry Hunt point-to-point, and as an undulating course, it provides a good test of stamina, so it is no surprise that the likes of Gold Cup-second Truckers Tavern, Galway Plate winner Ballyholland, and Grand National runner-up The Last Samuri, all staying chasers, won their maidens at the course.

With a lap of the course measuring approximately seven furlongs, all races start at the entrance to the home straight and jump a total of 15 fences. The first of which, a fence that is jumped four times, is situated on the uphill climb to the winning post and also acts as the final fence three circuits later.

Fence two is jumped alongside the parade ring just past the winning post, before the field enter a notable dip on the run into the back straight, with the track dropping into the dip with a steep ascent waiting on the other side. Fence three marks the completion of their climb at the highest point of the course and follows a slight right-handed kink before the runners enter the dog leg-esque back straight.

After racing through a gap, the field negotiate fence four which then begins a notable decline to fence five at the bottom of the track. As they pass their point of departure, the field begin the steady climb which will take them to the winning post.