Fontwell Park's figure-of-eight chase course is the only one of its kind in Britain. Two loops cross in the middle, creating a layout that demands constant changes of direction. There's nothing like it anywhere else in British racing — and understanding how it works is key to understanding the racing and the betting.
The design was Alfred Day's solution to fitting a chase circuit into the available land when he founded the course in 1924. The figure-of-eight made efficient use of the space, and it has endured for a century. The course has seven fences, suits quicker and more agile horses, and has a stiff finish that allows hold-up horses to mount late challenges. The Fontwell Gold Cup is run over it — the feature chase of the year at Fontwell Park.
By contrast, the hurdles course is a conventional left-handed oval of about one mile. The two tracks create different tests. This guide covers the layout, the fences and crossing point, the run-in, and how the course affects racing. For betting angles, see the dedicated guide.
The Layout: Two Loops That Cross
The figure-of-eight consists of two loops that cross in the middle. Runners complete one loop, pass through the crossing point, then complete the other loop. The layout creates constant changes of direction — there are no long, galloping stretches. Horses are constantly turning or preparing to turn.
The Two Loops
Each loop runs in a different direction, so the overall shape resembles the figure 8. The crossing point is where the two loops meet — a crucial moment in any race. Runners must navigate the turn and maintain their position; losing ground can be costly. The design was Alfred Day's solution to fitting a full chase circuit into a limited footprint. No other racecourse in Britain has replicated it.
Handy Types and Agility
The constant turns and twists suit quicker, more agile horses. Galloping types who prefer long, straight stretches can struggle. The layout rewards horses who can change direction fluently, jump accurately when turning, and hold their position. Form from Plumpton or Stratford — other sharp tracks — can sometimes translate, but Fontwell's layout is unique. Course form tends to count.
Compared to the Hurdles Oval
The hurdles course at Fontwell is a conventional left-handed oval of about one mile. It doesn't use the figure-of-eight. A horse who thrives over hurdles at Fontwell may not necessarily suit the chase course — and vice versa. The two tracks create different tests. For the Fontwell Gold Cup and other chases, the figure-of-eight is the stage.
The Fences and the Crossing Point
The figure-of-eight has seven fences. They're distributed around the two loops, and the crossing point is a key moment — not because there's a fence there, but because the change of direction can catch horses and jockeys out. Accurate jumping when turning matters.
The Fences
The fences are generally considered fair rather than punishing. Fontwell doesn't have the reputation of a stern test like Exeter or Hexham. But the layout adds difficulty — jumping when turning, or immediately after a turn, requires fluency. A mistake at a crucial bend can cost several lengths. Horses who can jump accurately and maintain their rhythm tend to do well.
The Crossing Point
The crossing point is where the two loops meet. Runners change direction here, and the race can take shape. Front-runners who have jumped well can consolidate their lead; hold-up horses need to stay in touch without losing too much ground. Position matters. A horse stuck wide or losing ground at the crossing can struggle to recover. Jockeys who know the track understand where to be and when to make a move.
Open Ditches and Plain Fences
The course includes standard chase fences. The exact configuration — open ditches, plain fences — can vary. For the Fontwell Gold Cup and other chases, the key is the layout: the constant turns and the crossing point. The run-in and stiff finish add another layer.
The Run-In and the Stiff Finish
The figure-of-eight has a stiff finish — the run-in from the last fence rises to the line. That allows hold-up horses to mount late challenges. When the pace is genuine, a horse held up can come from off the pace to win in the closing stages. When the pace is slow, front-runners can dominate.
The Stiff Finish
The gradient in the run-in adds a stamina test. Tired horses can struggle to hold on; fresh horses can make ground. The combination of the constant turns and the stiff finish creates a distinct test. Horses need to have something left for the closing stages — and that favours hold-up horses when the pace has been honest.
Tactics and Pace
The likely pace is crucial. If there are enough front-runners to make it genuine, hold-up horses have a chance. If the pace is slow, front-runners can get an easy lead and be hard to peg back. Assessing the field — how many front-runners, how many hold-up horses — helps when deciding where to place your money. The betting guide has more on tactics.
The Last Fence
The position of the last fence and the length of the run-in affect how racing unfolds. A horse in contention at the last fence can make a run; a horse who has lost ground earlier may struggle to recover. The Fontwell Gold Cup has produced plenty of memorable finishes in the closing stages. The how it affects racing section has more on the tactical implications.
How It Affects Racing
The figure-of-eight affects how races unfold. The constant turns, the crossing point, and the stiff finish all shape the tactics and the outcome.
Front-Runners vs Hold-Up Horses
Front-runners can get an easy lead if they jump well and the pace is modest. Once in front, they can be hard to peg back — especially if the stiff finish takes its toll on the chasers. But when the pace is genuine, hold-up horses can mount late challenges. The stiff finish gives them a chance to make ground. The key is assessing the likely pace — are there enough front-runners to make it honest?
Position and the Crossing Point
The crossing point is a crucial moment. Losing ground there can be costly. Jockeys who know the track understand where to be — the best line, when to make a move. A horse stuck wide or losing ground at the crossing can struggle to recover. Course form matters, in part because it reflects familiarity with these moments.
Type of Horse
The layout suits quicker, more agile chasers. Galloping types who prefer long, straight stretches can struggle. Horses who thrive at Plumpton or Stratford — other sharp tracks — can sometimes transfer that form, but Fontwell's layout is unique. Course form on the figure-of-eight is one of the strongest angles. The Fontwell Gold Cup is the feature race — see the betting guide for the full breakdown.
Betting Implications
The figure-of-eight creates distinct betting implications. Course form, going, and tactical assessment all matter.
Course Form
Horses who have run well in chases at Fontwell before are worth a second look. The unique layout rewards familiarity — there's nothing like it anywhere else, so course form is one of the strongest angles. If a horse has won or placed in a chase at Fontwell in the last 12 months, that's a positive. First-time visitors can win, but they need to suit the track — agile, accurate jumpers.
Pace and Hold-Up Horses
The stiff finish allows hold-up horses to mount late challenges when the pace is genuine. Assessing the likely pace — how many front-runners, how many hold-up horses — helps when evaluating the market. If the pace looks slow, front-runners can be underpriced. If the pace looks genuine, hold-up horses can offer value. The Fontwell Gold Cup is the feature chase — see the dedicated guide for the full breakdown.
Going and Conditions
West Sussex gets its share of rain. Soft or heavy ground can make the chase course more attritional; hold-up horses can struggle when the pace slows. On good or good to soft, the race can be more evenly run. Check the going report. For broader betting strategies, see the dedicated guide.
More about this racecourse
Fontwell Gold Cup: Complete Guide
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