Pontefract racecourse is for flat racing. The course is run left handed over an undulating circuit two miles in circumference, with a two furlong home straight. That makes it the longest continuous flat racing circuit in Europe!
The last six furlongs of the course are essentially uphill. This means in longer races, particularly on soft or heavy going, stamina is very important. Low drawn horses are sometimes considered to be favoured in sprints up to six furlongs