Early in the Year
Haydock Park in Merseyside features high-class 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 frequently on testing room conditions and has actually been won by top-notch chasers like Kauto Star, Cue Card, Silviniaco Conti and Bristol De Mai in current years.
On the same day as the Betfair Chase is the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle, another race which can be really requiring and draws in big fields, but finding the winners can be really rewarding. Early in the year, we have the Peter Marsh Chase, a race that can feature some of the leading 3 milers.
In February, Haydock hosts a Grand National Trial; however, the type of the winner of this has actually been questionable. During May, Haydock hosts a noteworthy occasion beyond the regular jumps season - the Swinton Handicap Hurdle. This race usually attracts an of rivals and occurs on the exact same day as the Far away Handicap Hurdle.
Flat Highlights: The Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup in September is one of the most distinguished event. Worth over ₤ 150k, the race attracts the top sprinters from around Europe and on the very same day, there is the Old Borough Cup, a class 2 handicap run over one mile and six furlongs.
In July, we get to see the fillies and mares in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks, which has been present considering that 1939 and has been won by the similarity Alpinista, who went on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the list below year. That racecard likewise features the class 2 handicap, the Old Newton Cup, which typically throws up a decent-priced winner.
In terms of heritage handicaps, the Silver Bowl is contested in May and is limited to three-year-old runners, which can attract decent-sized fields. On the same card are a number of Group 2 races in the Sandy Lane Stakes and the Temple Stakes.