SANDRACER.COM ~ ALL WEATHER RACING BLOG

Chelmsford 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, 6 Furlongs
NO DRAW BIAS Early paced horses have the overall advantage in my opinion.

Early pace is not draw dependent. If you're quick, you're quick.

7 Furlongs, 8 Furlongs+
NO DRAW BIAS Chelmsford's long, wide sweeping bends, from what I've witnessed, makes horses near the front of the field, over all distances, difficult to catch up with down the finishing straight.

Weaving through the pack late on can be done, but I rarely bet on it and don't advise you to either.

All Distances
BETTING ADVICE Back who you like, wherever they're drawn. The shortest way around is on the low side of the draw, so it stands to reason you'd rather be drawn low than high, especially over sprints.

However, I have not noticed a clear draw bias. If I fancy a horse who I think will get out quick from a high draw, I won't refuse the bet due to any perceived negative draw bias.

Chelmsford Draw Bias Graphic Visuals

Draw Bias In Detailed Graphs▾

Visual Draw Bias Analysis▸ What I see when looking at these graphs, for all distances from 5 and 6f, up to 2miles ~ is a Lack Of Any Obvious Draw Bias. Yes, you'll see small deviations, but pretty much throughout, over every distance, horses are winning from everywhere. The key is they are winning pretty much lock step from any draw, in alignment with where they're drawn.

Early Pace▸ Chelmsford is about running style. Early pace helps get a good racing position, wherever you're drawn. The shorter the race, the more pronounced the early pace advantage is, has been my observation. You can see by these Chelmsford Pace Charts that this has been the case at the Chelmsford racetrack ~ going all the way back to when the first started running races there.

Conclusion▸ Looks can be deceiving, so we have to see if what we think we see, is backed up by the statistical analysis. The graph, in my estimation, bears out what I think I have seen by my own observations. Make up your own mind, have a look at the charts. Watch the races. Even the ones you have no money on.

5F

Chelmsford▸ 5f Draw Bias Chart

6F

Chelmsford▸ 6f Draw Bias Chart

7F

Chelmsford▸ 7f Draw Bias Chart

1m

Chelmsford▸ 1 Mile

1m 2f

Chelmsford▸ 1 Mile ~ 2 Furlongs

1m 5f

Chelmsford▸ 1 Mile ~ 5 Furlongs

1m 6f

Chelmsford▸ 1 Mile ~ 6 Furlongs

2m

Chelmsford▸ 2 Miles

Track Map

Chelmsford▸ 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 Cheltenham races in the video box below.

Chelmsford City All Weather Racetrack Stats (Polytrack)

Jockey Runs To Wins Statistics @ Chelmsford▾

• ⭐ Jockey Statistics For Chelmsford (2 Years) ~ Adrian Massey

Trainer Runs To Wins Statistics @ Chelmsford▾

• ⭐ Trainer Statistics For Chelmsford (2 Years) ~ Adrian Massey

Chelmsford Course Guides & Statistical Analysis▾

I will list the Cheltenham 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 Chelms 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 ~ Chelmsford Course Guide & Stats
• Flatstats ~ Chelmsford 10 Years Of Course Statistics
• Geegeez ~ Chelmsford Racetrack Guide
• R&S Australia ~ Chelmsford Stats & Percentages
• Racing Post ~ Chelmsford Course Statistical Breakdown
• Timeform ~ Chelmsford Form Guide

Official Chelmsford AW Polytrack Course Details▾

• The racetrack is a 22 metre wide, 1mile from start to finish, anti clockwise, left handed, oval circuit.
• The bends are 135m around, very wide and sweeping. Not short, tricky corners.
• The finishing straight is 2 furlongs long. Quite long for an AW finish.

History Of Chelmsford Racecourse

Early History▾

Chelmsford City Racecourse, originally known as Great Leighs Racecourse, is a relatively new addition to British horse racing. Located near the village of Great Leighs in Essex, it has a story marked by big plans, early setbacks, and a strong enough revival.

The concept was the brainchild of entrepreneur John Holmes and his son Jonathan. Their vision was to fill a geographical gap in British racing by building a modern, all-weather track in a region underserved despite a population of over 1.6 million.

The racecourse was built on the former Essex County Showground, with original plans targeting an October 2006 opening. However, construction delays meant the first race didn’t take place until 2008.

• 20 April 2008 ~ an invitation-only maiden race, won by Temple of Thebes
• 28 May 2008 ~ first public meeting

Early Difficulties▾

Despite the high-quality Polytrack surface and a well-designed oval layout, the racecourse faced immediate challenges. Facilities were incomplete and visitor numbers underwhelming. Just nine months later, in January 2009, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) withdrew its license PR📌

The venue went into administration with debts estimated around £25 million. For several years, the track remained dormant, despite multiple takeover attempts.

Revival and Rebranding▾

In August 2014, a syndicate led by Betfred founder Fred Done acquired the racecourse. With the rebrand to Chelmsford City Racecourse, the venue was granted Racecourse Association (RCA) membership and underwent significant redevelopment.

• Track surface rewaxed and re-fibered
• Grandstand and Customer Plaza completed and modernized

On 11 January 2015, the track reopened with a private fixture attended by 800 spectators. The public reopening took place on▸

• 22 January 2015 ~ First official fixture at Chelmsford City, won by Charlie Appleby's Tryster.

Racing Profile & Fixtures▾

Chelmsford City quickly became one of the UK's busiest racecourses, offering around 58 fixtures in its first year alone. It is now one of just five floodlit all-weather tracks in Britain, renowned for its lively evening racing and music nights.

Key features include▸

• 1mile left~handed Polytrack oval with a 2-furlong home straight
• Floodlit racing under distinctive champagne~flute light towers
• Modern grandstand design and accessibility praised by jockeys and trainers

Notable Races▾

• The Chelmer Fillies Stakes ~ A key Listed race for 3yo fillies
• Queen Charlotte Fillies Stakes ~ Listed race launched in 2018, with a £100k+ purse
• The Cardinal Stakes ~ Derby Trial until 2024
• The Chelmsford City Cup ~ Major evening handicap with decent prize money

Entertainment & Community▾

Beyond racing, the venue has developed into a jumping local community hub. It hosts concerts▸ corporate events▸ weddings▸ charity functions▸ ~ you name it. Past performers have included▸

• Madness
• Simply Red
• Boyzone
• Ministry of Sound

Chelmsford also supports youth engagement and education via partnerships with Racing to School ~ and has run initiatives supporting the local old people and nearby charity work.

Future Plans▾

Long term development proposals have included▸

• Construction of a grass track within the Polytrack oval
• Plans for a leisure complex including a potential casino

While these projects are not yet completed, they remain part of the site’s vision to be a multi~purpose sporting and entertainment destination.

Summary Evaluation▾

From a rocky start to a leading role in British AWR, Chelmsford City Racecourse is a never say die project in full flow. Its strategic location▸ ambitious owners▸ and dual racing-entertainment model has worked quite well. Chelmsford City Racecourse has now earned itself a valuable place in the UK Racing Calendar ~ (PDF ).

Chelmsford Racecourse Data▾

• Chelmsford is an all weather horse racing track, owned and maintained by the Betfred Group.
• Originally known as Great Leighs, it was the UK's first new racecourse in 80 years, officially reopened in 2015.
• Third all weather floodlit track in Britain, with racing held all year round ~ summer afternoons to winter evenings.
• Iconic Floodlights & Design▸ Champagne~flute style floodlights and a slick grandstand shortlisted for architectural awards in 2016
• Betting Availability▸ Fixed Odds▸ Tote▸ Ring▸ 12 trackside bookmaker pitches. Up to 58 on busy racedays.
• Track Surface▸ Polytrack, left-handed oval, approx. 1 mile in circumference.
• Location▸ Great Leighs, Essex (postcode: CM3 1QP). Easily accessible from Chelmsford or Braintree.
• Parking▸ Free on-site parking (~600 spaces), with accessible bays.
• Public Transport▸ Bus routes 70 and 352 connect from nearby towns▸ seasonal shuttle from Chelmsford Station.
• Closest Rail Stations▸ Braintree (10 min taxi) and Chelmsford (15 min). Stansted Airport ~20 min away.
• Venue Hire▸ Marquees for 300~3,000 guests▸ Sports Bar▸ Fairwood Brasserie▸ Club Lounge.
• Coordinates▾
  Chelmsford Racecourse Geo Location
  Chelmsford Racecourse Google Map

Official Contact Details▾

Official Website
Chelmsford Racecourse

Postal Address
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Chelmsford, Essex
CM3 1QP
Surrey RH7 6PQ
☎ 01245 360 300
✉ info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com