Detling

PETE MERCER'S COURSE NOTES

DETLING is the South East's main 'galloping' course. There is a gentle but noticeable (especially on the third time of asking) uphill slope from the start to the corner at the end of the home straight. From there it is a gentle down hill all the way back to the start. The jumps invite the brave horse that is prepared to stand-off and they can make an advantage at most fences.

Detling hosts the area's 'showcase' race which is the 4 mile Mixed Open - The Kent Grand National.

At the top of Detling hill it can be rather windy but the wind also dries the course out quite quickly except parts of the back straight and the bottom end where trees reduce the effectiveness of the wind and reduce the amount of sun. That end is therefore nearly always softer than the opposite corner.