WHAT IS 'THE GOING'? 

The Racetrack on which the horses run is an oval of 2miles and 125yards of turf.

Depending on the weather conditions, the ground conditions alter. For example, if there's a lot of rain, the ground may become softer. Similarly, in drought the ground is harder/drier.

Based on the state of the ground we issue a 'Going' report.

There are several types of description of the 'going'
 - the softest/muddiest/wettest conditions that we are allowed to race on is called 'Heavy'
 - the driest/fastest conditions that we are allowed to race on is called 'Hard'.

Racing is run under the 'Rules of Racing' laid down by the British Horseracing Authority who regulate the sport. The Rules stipulate that we must use one of, or a combination of, the following to describe the state of the ground:-

• Heavy
• Soft
• Good to Soft
• Good
• Good to Firm
• Firm
• Hard

Flat Racecourses should strive to provide no harder than 'Good to Firm' ground at their meetings (obviously depending on weather conditions). If the ground looks like being 'Hard' then we are able to 'water' or 'irrigate' the course to 'soften' it.

The 'Going' can drastically affect the chance of any particular horse. Some horses do not perform to the best of their ability if the ground is soft, and similarly some horses hate the ground to be hard.

It is definitely worth keeping an eye on the weather and finding out if the horse that you like enjoys the sunshine or the rain!