Turf
A right handed course with a circumference of about 2900m, the Vaal consists of two 1000m straights connected by fairly sharp bends.
The run-in of 1000m is the longest in the country, and the Vaal also has South Africa’s only 1600m straight course.
All races of up to a mile are run down the straight, which can be a real test both of a horse’s stamina and of a jockey’s judgement of pace.
Generally, outside draws hold an advantage on the straight course, especially when the going is soft, but in the winter months the two extremes appear equally favourable and fields tend to split into two distinct groups on either side of the course.
Draws are of little significance in races run around the turn.
Despite the length of the run-in, horses racing handy or in front frequently do well at the Vaal.
Sand
A right handed course with a 1000m straight course, with the 1000m start taking place at the top of the straight.
Races over 1200m start in the middle of the bend, those over 1400m right at the entrance of the bend.
Starting stalls for races over 1400m are positioned at an angle, to compensate for wide draws – as a result those drawn on the very inside could be cut off unless they jump very quickly. The sand track appears to put a premium on stamina, although making up ground from behind seems more difficult than it is on grass.
Horses racing handy or with the pace may have an advantage.
The sand track at the Vaal was inaugurated in August 2001. It is still too early to determine whether the track is biased towards the inside or outside, and whether there is an advantage to the draw.
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