SANDRACER.COM ~ ALL WEATHER RACING BLOG

Southwell Draw Bias

Beginners Question What is the Draw Bias?
Answer A Stall Position that gives your horse a Noticable Advantage over other horses.

5 Furlongs Draw Bias
NONE Southwell's straight in a line, 5F dash, is a race for the horse who can get out quick and run home fast.

If you come out a bit slowly and finish like a Porsche, the draw won't stop you either, not on a straight 5f sprint trip.

5f DRAW ADVISORY ❖ No Draw Bias. Straight 5f course, early pace somewhat helpful from any stall.

6 Furlongs Draw Bias
NONE No obvious advantage being drawn high or low. If you're a fast starter, you can set yourself up for the shortest route round the bend, ie up the rail.

I've also seen plenty of horses rattle home from behind and win, even from out wide going the longest route.

6f DRAW ADVISORY ❖ No Draw Bias. Low stall number, inside line somewhat helpful for early pace, front runners. Hold up 6f horses can storm home here from out wide though, no problem, if quick enough. So can prominent, sit behind the leader, wait and pounce types.

7 Furlongs, 8 Furlongs+ Draw Bias
NONE It strikes me that since the Fibresand running surface was replaced with Tapeta, the old successful forceful front running ride, of up the rail and from the front, doesn't work as well these days, if ever.

7f ▪ 8f ▪ 1m2f ▪ 1m4f ▪ 2mile ▪ DRAW ADVISORY ❖ No Draw Bias. You can win from any stall at Southwell, if you are well handicapped, in form, decent jockey. The draw is no excuse for losing races here.

All Distances

BETTING ADVICE ❖ The 5f races go to fast starters quite a bit, so bear that in mind. Any further than that though, the slightly uphill last 1.5 furlongs finish, really can catch out front runners, right up to the finishing line. I've seen a few hang on, but not many.

Southwell Round Course Draw Bias Graphic Visuals

Draw Bias In Detailed Graphs▾

Visual Draw Bias Analysis▸ Very noticable, very quickly, is the lack of any specific draw bias for any distance, when you go through the Southwell win to draw chart images. There random nature of where some stalls do better than others is super random indeed. No pattern, just quirks of time and data.

Early Pace▸ Front runners do well here over 5f, but they have no advantage of any significance in any other distance. In fact, from 6f upwards, early paced horses don't last home at Southwell too well, even though the fibresand is gone.

Conclusion▸ Fair track ~ almost too fair. Hold up horses and prominently ridden win thier fair share over all distances. No particular running style is dominant at Southwell.

5f

Southwell▸ 5f Draw Bias Chart

6f

Southwell▸ 6f Draw Bias Chart

7f

Southwell▸ 7f Draw Bias Chart

1m

Southwell▸ 1 Mile

1m 2f

Southwell▸ 1 Mile ~ 2 Furlongs

1m 4f

Southwell▸ 1 Mile ~ 4 Furlongs

1m 6f

Southwell▸ 1 Mile ~ 6 Furlongs

2m

Southwell▸ 2 Miles

Track Map

Southwell▸ Track Configuration

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Why Learn About Any Draw Bias▸ Track Layout▸ Course Foibles?

To Make Money▸ Simple As That▸ So when you put your money down to bet, I think you should know as much about the event as possible. Possible draw bias on a racetrack, over a particular distance, is crucial information.

Priced Up Already▸ Yes, the price of a horse, should have any potential draw bias or pace based race position advantages, baked into it already. So, why bother learn all this stuff? Good question. The answer is simple▸ There are enough punters (the majority) ~ without course specific knowledge, putting thier money down and affecting the prices of all horses in the race, to give YOU wriggle room. You do the maths.

Track Knowledge▸ Knowing the track layout, any draw biases, quirks of the course, doesn't mean you'll get the winner in every race. It will make you a bigger danger to the bookies though. It can only help you in your pursuit of winning some money.

Shifts In Draw Biases▸ Some racetracks have changable draw biases. The weather can affect where the best place on the track for a horse to race on is. Changing of the stalls position can effect where it's best to be drawn. Just watching the races and early results at a meeting can inform you of where an advantage may be. Stalls positioning and draw biases might change on any given day. Keep your eyes peeled ladies.

Watch & Learn▸ Read what you can, remember it, or write it down. Listen to everything you can about an event. You won't get confused. You'll use what you see, hear, and learn to your advantage. Watch what you can, note down what is noteworthy. With that in mind, I'll put what I find interesting, useful, or amusing about Southwell races in the video box below.

Southwell City All Weather Racetrack Stats (Tapeta)

Jockey Runs To Wins Statistics @ Southwell▾

• ⭐ Jockey Statistics For Southwell (This Year) ~ Adrian Massey
• ⭐ Jockey Statistics For Southwell (2 Years) ~ Adrian Massey

Trainer Runs To Wins Statistics @ Southwell▾

• ⭐ Trainer Statistics For Southwell (This Year) ~ Adrian Massey
• ⭐ Trainer Statistics For Southwell (2 Years) ~ Adrian Massey

Newcastle Course Guides & Statistical Analysis▾

I will list the Newcastle course guides and stats centres here, in alphabetical order. The trainer and jockey statistical analysis you need, is most certainly achievable via these pages. They all have specific trainer and jockey stats grouped together, or linked up on the same page, in various formats.

Jockey stats and trainer stats in thier own locations are preferable ~ but some sites group them together ~ so you'll have to find them on these pages. All the data you need is available via these racing publications, if you are interested.

#sandracer note: These are hand~picked sources, by me. They are listed for a reason. This ain't a list of vaguely related Newc pages ~ this is a must see and use set of resources to use in conjunction with your draw bias and track knowledge.

• At The Races ~ Southwell Course Guide & Stats
• Flatstats ~ Southwell 10 Years Of Course Statistics
• Geegeez ~ Southwell Racetrack Guide
• R&S Australia ~ Southwell Stats & Percentages
• Racing Post ~ Southwell Course Statistical Breakdown
• Timeform ~ Southwell Form Guide

Official Southwell Course Details▾

Southwell is a turf and all weather Tapeta racecourse venue owned and maintained by Arena Leisure.

The floodlit AW racetrack itself used to be a Fibresand running surface (1989-2021), but was relaid with Tapeta on Dec 7, 2021.

There is a straight 5 furlong run starting from a chute.

It leads onto a half mile around, left handed oval, with 2 fairly tight bends, but long straights that lead back to the 3 furlong straight run in.

As you can see by the map image, the running track is shaped like a big P.

The long straights and sharpish bends make for some interesting finishes with horses making thier way home at a rapid pace.

That is of course, dependent on if they can get a breather around the top bend, otherwise it's a long way home for a tired horse.

History Of Southwell Racecourse

Early History▾

Southwell Racecourse, nestled near the village of Rolleston in Nottinghamshire, began with informal racing in the mid-1800s between local landowners. In 1898, racing was formalised with the opening of the current course, offering a safer and more organised venue. Like many British tracks, Southwell closed during both World Wars and was repurposed as an RAF storage depot before resuming post-war.

• Mid-1800s ~ Informal races held near Southwell.
• 1898 ~ Official course opened near Rolleston with first race.
• WWI & WWII ~ Course used as RAF depot, no racing held.

Modernisation & Growth▾

Major development began in 1965 with the opening of a hurdles track for National Hunt racing. In 1989, Southwell introduced an all-weather Fibresand track, enabling year-round flat and jumps racing ~ a global first. However, all-weather jumps ended in 1994 due to safety issues. Flooding caused a temporary closure in 2012, but the course reopened in 2013, later upgrading to LED floodlights in 2019 and a Tapeta surface in 2021.

• 1965 ~ Hurdles track opened for National Hunt racing.
• 1989 ~ Fibresand all-weather track introduced.
• 1994 ~ All-weather jumps discontinued after safety concerns.
• 2012 ~ Flooding forces temporary closure ~ reopens in 2013.
• 2019 ~ LED floodlights installed for evening racing.
• 2021 ~ Tapeta surface installed ~ Winter Oaks Trial inaugurated.

All Weather Era▾

Southwell’s pioneering all-weather chapter began in 1989 with the Fibresand surface, offering deep, stamina-testing conditions. It hosted Britain’s first-ever All-Weather National Hunt meeting ~ a short-lived but historic milestone. After jumps racing ceased on AW in 1994, Southwell continued with flat racing. The shift to Tapeta in 2021 aligned it with modern AW standards, enhancing safety and performance, and expanding into the All-Weather Championships.

• 1989 ~ First AW National Hunt and flat races on Fibresand.
• 1994 ~ All-weather jumps ended ~ track used for flat racing only.
• 2021 ~ Tapeta replaces Fibresand ~ Winter Oaks Trial launched.

Racing Profile▾

Today, Southwell stages over 70 fixtures annually across both flat and jump racing. The left-handed Tapeta AW track supports year-round flat racing, with a 1¼ mile oval and a five-furlong sprint chute. Its turf track continues to host National Hunt events featuring stiff fences and brush hurdles. Feature fixtures include the Winter Oaks Trial and the Racing League final, making Southwell a true dual-code venue.

• Tapeta-surfaced 1¼ mile AW track for flat and evening races.
• Tight turf track with stiff fences for National Hunt races.
• Over 70 meetings annually across flat and jumps codes.
• Key fixtures include Winter Oaks Trial and Racing League final.

Notable Moments▾

Southwell temporarily hosted the prestigious Great Yorkshire Chase in 2006 and 2007 while Doncaster was under redevelopment. In 2012, severe flooding forced the course to close, but it rebounded strongly. The introduction of floodlit racing in 2019, and the 2021 switch to Tapeta, cemented its modern identity. Southwell now proudly hosts the Racing League final ~ a major event broadcast live across national networks.

• 2006–2007 ~ Hosted Great Yorkshire Chase during Doncaster closure.
• 2012–2013 ~ Flood closure and subsequent reopening.
• 2019 ~ Launch of floodlit racing under LED lights.
• 2021 ~ Tapeta era begins with Winter Oaks Trial.
• Annual ~ Hosts Racing League final, e.g. August 28, 2025.

Community & Legacy▾

Set in 145 acres of Nottinghamshire countryside, Southwell Racecourse is a valued local hub. Beyond racing, it hosts fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. The course is famously linked to top jockey Hayley Turner, who had her first ride there in 2000. Southwell continues to support local tourism and jobs, combining historic charm with modern racing appeal in the East Midlands.

• 145 acres ~ Venue for racing, events, and exhibitions.
• Hayley Turner ~ Started career at Southwell in 2000.
• £££ ~ Key contributor to local economy and tourism.
• 2025 ~ Continues as leading dual-surface racecourse.

Timeline Snapshot▾

Summary Evaluation▾

From rural beginnings to a modern, floodlit venue with a Tapeta track, Southwell Racecourse has evolved into a highly capable dual-code racing centre. Hosting over 70 meetings annually, including marquee fixtures like the Racing League final, it blends history with innovation. Southwell remains a pillar of Nottinghamshire’s racing heritage and community life.

Southwell Racecourse Data▾

• Southwell Racecourse is a dual-surface venue, owned and operated by the Arena Racing Company (ARC).
• Betting Availability▸ On-course bookmakers are present at all fixtures▸ full betting ring operational on major race days▸ Tote and electronic betting terminals available across enclosures.
• Track Surfaces▸ Tapeta all weather ~ left-handed oval with floodlights▸ Turf ~ left-handed jumps course used primarily in the winter National Hunt season.
• Location▸ Southwell Racecourse is located in Rolleston, Nottinghamshire, approximately 2 miles southeast of Southwell town centre and 15 miles northeast of Nottingham.
• Parking▸ Free parking available on-site▸ large, flat car park with capacity for several thousand vehicles.
• Public Transport▸ Nearest rail access via Rolleston Station (short walk to course)▸ local taxis and occasional shuttle services operate on major racedays.
• Closest Rail▸ Rolleston Station (~0.25 miles, via footpath)▸ Newark North Gate (East Coast Mainline, ~8 miles) with regular taxi connections.
• Nearest Airport▸ East Midlands Airport (~35 miles) and Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport (~30 miles)▸ both accessible via car/taxi.
• On-Course Dining▸ Facilities include The Minster Suite restaurant, a selection of bars, food stands, and hospitality suites for private bookings.
• Stand Development▸ Modernisation work completed during ARC’s ownership▸ floodlights installed in 2021▸ Tapeta surface laid in 2021, replacing the original fibresand track.
• Coordinates▾
  Southwell Racecourse Geo Location
  Southwell Racecourse Google Map

Southwell Racetrack Contact Details▾

Southwell Racecourse
Southwell Racecourse Ltd
Rolleston (Near Newark)
Nottinghamshire NG25 0TS

☎ 0870 220 2332
✉ info@southwell-racecourse.co.uk