Andrew Harrison

After graduating with an Honours Degree in Journalism from Stellenbosch University in 1980, Andrew Harrison immediately started as a cub reporter on The Natal Witness, a leading KwaZulu Natal newspaper in the same year. Andrew moved to the sports department covering (cricket/hockey) before taking over as Racing Editor in 1982. He was the Racing Editor for 25 years before being head-hunted by Gold Circle to head up their newly created Publishing Department after the company had signed a contract to supply Independent Newspapers with their racing content. Andrew held this position for 16 years before reaching retirement in February this year, however is still responsible for the editorial and tipping content for all Gold Circle tracks for both local and international customers.

Greyville Racecourse – Track Analysis (Durban July and Garden Province Stakes):

Durban’s Greyville Racecourse is a clockwise venue with a 2800m turf course that envelopes another synthetic strip. It imitates a triangular configuration of Great Britain’s Ascot Racecourse, with a 430m homestretch.

The course is deceptive as there is a significant climb before the final bend. From the 1600m mark to the 1200m mark there is a gradual drop of 3m. From the 900m mark to the 400m mark on the final turn there is a gradual climb of 4m. There is also a four-degree fall / camber from outer to inner on the turn. The rest of the track has a one-degree fall / camber. The sweeping final bend with its camber allows wide runners to slingshot themselves into the thick of the fray. All races from the 1600m mark to the 1000m mark start on the bend.

For the 2200m G1 Durban July, runners have 400m stretch of the backside and they can generally sort themselves out before hitting the turn at the 1600m mark.

For the 1600m G1 Garden Province Stakes, draws 1-6 are optimum. Horses drawn wider can often be caught out wide.

Disclaimer:
The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.

HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.