Early In The Year

Haydock Park in Merseyside features elite National Hunt and Flat racing throughout the year.


Type of Racing: Flat & NH


NH Highlights: The Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock is the pinnacle of their National Hunt season, the race happens in November often on screening ground conditions and has been won by excellent chasers like Kauto Star, Cue Card, Silviniaco Conti and Bristol De Mai in the last few years.


On the same day as the Betfair Chase is the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle, another race which can be very demanding and draws in large fields, but discovering the winners can be extremely satisfying. Early in the year, we have the Peter Marsh Chase, a race that can feature some of the leading three milers.


In February, Haydock hosts a Grand National Trial; however, the form of the winner of this has been doubtful. During May, Haydock hosts a notable event beyond the routine dives season - the Swinton Handicap Hurdle. This race typically attracts a great variety of competitors and occurs on the exact same day as the Long Distance Handicap Hurdle.


Flat Highlights: The Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup in September is the most . Worth over ₤ 150k, the race draws in the leading sprinters from around Europe and on the exact same day, there is the Old Borough Cup, a class two handicap run over one mile and 6 furlongs.


In July, we get to see the fillies and mares in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks, which has actually existed considering that 1939 and has actually been won by the likes of Alpinista, who went on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the list below year. That racecard likewise includes the class two handicap, the Old Newton Cup, which typically tosses up a decent-priced winner.


In regards to heritage handicaps, the Silver Bowl is contested in May and is restricted to three-year-old runners, which can bring in decent-sized fields. On the exact same card are a number of Group 2 races in the Sandy Lane Stakes and the Temple Stakes.