Jockey David Probert has built an exceptional body of experience around Lingfield’s All‑Weather circuit, having partnered 1,599 runners on the Polytrack surface. His record speaks for itself: 200 winners, 176 seconds, 217 thirds, and 187 fourth‑place finishes, contributing to an impressive £1,456,173 in total prize money. Few riders know the nuances of Lingfield quite as well, and Probert offers valuable insight into how to navigate the track’s distinctive layout, its tight turns, and the way the surface rides under different conditions. Drawing on years of success, he explains the techniques and tactical awareness required to get the best out of a horse on this uniquely challenging racecourse.

It's probably the most idiosyncratic of the AW tracks because of the hill. It's pretty level from the mile and a quarter start and down the back, but from the 4 furlong to the 2 furlong poles you're running down that hill. Some horses don't handle the hill which makes it a tricky track to ride; many of the jockeys will start to make their move at about the three - halfway down the hill, on the home bend - trying to get some of their rivals off balance. That's where you'll see most of the manoeuvres, jostling for position, trying to either get an inside run or slingshot off the bend if a little wider.

In 5f & 6f handicaps, you want to be handy, and perhaps ideally with a middle draw to cut the corner a little. That gives you the most options. They're both tricky starts, the five in a little chute on the crown of the bend, and the six just before the bend on the main track. Inside draws need to be very quick away and edge right a bit to get a position, because if you don't you'll be in a pocket and it'll be hard. The 6f trip is a bit more forgiving because you've got half a furlong or so before the bend, but you still need to jump and get a position quickly.

But over longer trips, certainly beyond a mile, it's very hard to make the running and win. I try and sit third or fourth, and one off the rail. If you're on the rail you can get boxed in as horses vie for positions and then you have to wait for them to pass before making your run. It's certainly a tricky track and one where you need to be in the right place at the right time.

Lane wise, it's pretty fair in the straight: I've seen horses coming up the rail to win, and horses fanning wide and winning, so there doesn't seem to be any advantage to one or other path in the last quarter. And the kickback is mild, probably the least of all the all weather circuits.

∼

The Racing Horse offers betting insights grounded in analysis, discipline, and experience. However, all advice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or gambling advice. Betting carries risk, and losses can exceed deposits. Readers are urged to wager responsibly, within their means. We do not encourage impulsive betting or chase losses. If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, seek support from organisations such as GamCare or BeGambleAware.