Speed matters, but what else do punters need to know about Taunton?

The terrestrial TV cameras are rarely in attendance at Taunton, so the track may be unfamiliar to those whose only recourse to watching British racing is ITV. A bit of background reading is advised, as it is a quirky course that requires some special considerations.

The first thing to know about Taunton is that it is unquestionably a speed track. The reasons behind that are somewhat distinct from other sharp right-handed courses such as Wincanton and Ludlow.

Taunton is by no means flat, it is just that the downhill section comes at the point where horses are generally racing at their hardest. The bend out of the back straight is tight, the field will generally do a full 180-degree turn in less than a furlong (depending on rail movements) and then run downhill for less than a furlong to the third-last.