CHAPTER
2: PAGE 7
NATIONAL HUNT RACING ' THE SEASON
The
National Hunt season is long and protracted, lasting twelve months
and encountering the best and worst extremes of weather conditions.
Beginning in the first week of May with a summer racing programme,
it unfolds throughout the autumn, reaching a zenith of activity during
the winter months of December, January and February (weather permitting).
Above:
fig 2.1 All-weather track
showing 'kick back'.
Below: fig 2.2 All-weather track without 'kick back'.
The differences in A-W surfaces ' Fibresand having 'kickback' and
generally deeper
and slower, with Polytrack virtually free from 'kickback', and faster
' can mean
some horses are suited to one and not to the other.
The
growth of international horseracing across all continents, offering
increased prize money and even higher breeding earnings for the most
successful, ensures A-W racing, which dominates some of these events
(such as the Breeders' Cup), will remain influential in British racing.
Although unlikely to upstage the splendid greenery of the prestigious
turf events, A-W racing will continue to grow, gaining a higher profile
and the promise of more glittering prizes. |
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