Haydock Racecourse

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Welcome to our official guide to Haydock Racecourse.

We explore this great dual-purpose racecourse in detail, looking at its history, a guide to the track, local hotel picks, fixtures, travel information and betting guides!

If you are looking for the latest betting tips for Haydock, check out our full guide to Haydock Racecourse tips.

Find out more about Haydock Racecourse today:

Haydock Racecourse Guide

Overview of Haydock Park Racecourse

Haydock Racecourse is a dual-purpose horseracing course used for both flat and National Hunt racing, situated in Merseyside between Liverpool and Manchester. The course surroundings are misleading – you’d be excused for thinking you were in deep countryside, with tree-lined roads and vast fields on all sides!

Owned and operated by The Jockey Club, Haydock Racecourse is not just one of the North’s leading horseracing venues, but also one of the largest and busiest conferencing facilities in the North West of England.

It holds some 30+ race meets a year as well as non-racing events almost every day of the year! The town of Haydock has become synonymous with horseracing, although it is also home to several golf courses.

The track at Haydock Racecourse is a flat left-handed oval of one mile five furlongs, with a slight rise toward the end. A straight chute of up to six furlongs is added for longer race distances. The emphasis is very much on stamina and the going is often hard. The steeplechase course sees ten fences with five hurdles run inside the chase course. It’s the premier year-round course for the North of England with major races including the Betfair Chase won famously be Kauto Star and the Haydock Park Sprint Cup in summer.

As such a major events venue, the on-site facilities are vast and varied. Haydock Racecourse boasts four grandstands, thirty-three private viewing suites, restaurants, bars, street food options and conferencing and business facilities. Various enclosures cater for all (and all budgets!) and Haydock, as with other racecourses in the North, is well renowned for its Ladies Day and frequently fashionable racegoers attending in haute couture. If the weather is good, picnics are very popular – so if you’re considering visiting, pack up your picnic hamper and enjoy some al-fresco dining while you’re there!

Haydock Park Racecourse History

Horseracing events are documented having been held as far back as 1752 in Newton-le-Willows, some two miles away from the current course. Racing continued there until 1898 (with just a few brief breaks) and was sponsored by members of the local Newton Hunt.

In 1898, the course moved to its current home, Haydock.

The inaugural event was a two-day National Hunt meeting in February the following year, and by May, race meets were held under Jockey Club results. Haydock Racecourse got its first big break in 1908, when Sydney Sandon became the course’s Secretary. Under his leadership, Haydock Racecourse saw mass redevelopment and marketing, securing its future as one of the most popular and prestigious courses in the country.

In 1947, Sheila’s Cottage won a three-and-a-half mile chase at Haydock and went on for Grand National success the following year! In 1963, The Lancashire Oaks was transferred here and in 1966, the Vernon’s Sprint Cup was also introduced.

The most recent grandstand opened in 1990 and its timeless design meant that there’s only needed to minor refurbishments and redecoration ever since. The course is owned and operated by The Jockey Club.

Main Races and Events at Haydock Racecourse

Haydock Racecourse has a fairly packed racing calendar, but four events stand out.

  • Grand National Trial – this happens in February and is a grade three steeplechase run over three miles and four-and-a-half furlongs. Currently sponsored by William Hill, anyone with an interest in the Grand National should attend – be that for training, betting or otherwise!
  • The Betfair Chase – won famously by Kauto Star this is one of the premier steeplechasers in the entire National Hunt calendar and forms part of the 1 million triple scheme which includes the King George Chase and Gold Cup.
  • The Lancashire Oaks – a Group two flat race The Lancashire Oaks is open to fillies and mares every July. Its run over one mile, three furlongs and one-hundred-and-seventy-five yards; and is tough enough that its most successful horse has only won it twice.
  • Sprint Cup – lastly, the Haydock Sprint Cup is held every September. It’s currently sponsored by 32Red and its leading jockey is the famous Lester Piggott!

What time does Haydock races start?

Haydock’s races normally begin at 1:00, however, the event itself does open at 11am.

The last race will normally begin at 4:20pm.

Haydock Racecourse Tickets

Haydock Park racecourse tickets are always very popular for all of their meetings. You’ll find great offers, deals and early birds to all of their events throughout the year and we always recommend booking in advance so you get to enjoy the day out and can plan ahead.

As racing at Haydock is so popular the events sell out, so it is best to book early and in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you are looking for the best deals on Haydock Park Racecourse Tickets follow the official link here.

Haydock Park Racecourse Map

Below is a map of Haydock Racecourse:

Haydock Park Flat Track
Courtesy of At The Races.

Flat course – Haydock is left-handed and flat track. It is oval-shaped and is just over twelve furlongs around. It has a home straight of 4 furlongs which is on a slight incline. Although essentially a galloping track with a long straight a good position turning in is often important with runners often slipping the fields. Sprints take place on the straight six-furlong course and the Haydock Park draw bias suits high numbers.

Haydock Park Jumps Track
Courtesy of At The Races.

Jumps course – similar to the flat track it is left-handed and flat but the trips take some getting with Conditions often get testing in winter. The fences have a reputation for being stiff.

Haydock Racecourse Address

Many people query, ‘Where is Haydock Racecourse?’

The official address of Haydock Park Racecourse is:

Haydock Racecourse
Newton-le-Willows
WA12 0HQ

How To Get To Haydock Racecourse

The ways to get to Haydock Park Racecourse are:

  • By car – Haydock Racecourse is located just one mile off the M6 in an area of parkland between Haydock, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Newton-le-Willows and Golborne. Signs for ‘Haydock Park and Conference Centre’ are displayed on all routes in from Liverpool and Manchester. All parking is free of charge. Sat navs systems are (unusually!) effective using the course postcode, as above or typing in Newton le willows Merseyside.
  • By train – the nearest train station is Newton-le-Willows, and there’s usually plenty of taxis outside. Free shuttle buses run from the station on racedays, or you can take a direct bus from Liverpool city centre.

Hotels Near Haydock Racecourse

Most racegoers attending Haydock Racecourse will stay in nearby Manchester or Liverpool, but there are some accommodation options slightly closer to the action. Closest to the course is the Mercure Haydock, a Georgian hotel with very reasonable rates and free WiFi! Budget options nearby include the Premier Inn and Travelodge, along the main roads. For something smaller and with more of a countryside feel, check out the Kirkfield, the Pied Bull Hotel or the Bay Horse.

Best Haydock Betting Sites

At British Racecourses we often recommend betting online and via the best betting apps. This is because you can often get the best odds, great offers when signing up and you can place bets quickly and safely without having to queue.

If you are looking to bet online we recommend the websites shown on this page. All of the online gambling sites made our list of the best horse racing betting sites.

Betting Shops Local to Haydock Racecourse

Haydock Racecourse has a variety of traditional betting shops located around the course, as well as Tote facilities. Independent bookmakers can also be found on the course, near to the parade ring.

Mobile signal here can be a bit hit-or-miss (it is the countryside, after all!) so if you’re looking to bet online, log on to the course’s free WiFi.

The nearby towns and villages aren’t large, but there are betting shops about locally to Haydock – just, they’re primarily in residential areas. Branches of a Betfred betting shop, William Hill betting shop and Coral betting shop can be found close to the course, with Ladbrokes a little further afield.

If you’re staying in Liverpool or Manchester, you’ll find essentially every chain of bookies you can think of!

Haydock Races 2024

Here is the horse racing calendar for Haydock Races in 2024:

DateRacecourseWeekday
20/1/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
17/2/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
20/3/2024Haydock ParkWednesday
30/3/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
27/4/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
11/5/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
24/5/2024Haydock ParkFriday
25/5/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
6/6/2024Haydock ParkThursday
7/6/2024Haydock ParkFriday
8/6/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
22/6/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
4/7/2024Haydock ParkThursday
5/7/2024Haydock ParkFriday
6/7/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
19/7/2024Haydock ParkFriday
20/7/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
4/8/2024Haydock ParkSunday
9/8/2024Haydock ParkFriday
10/8/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
5/9/2024Haydock ParkThursday
6/9/2024Haydock ParkFriday
7/9/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
27/9/2024Haydock ParkFriday
28/9/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
18/10/2024Haydock ParkFriday
23/11/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
4/12/2024Haydock ParkWednesday
21/12/2024Haydock ParkSaturday
30/12/2024Haydock ParkMonday

Check out our guide for the full list of UK horse racing calendar fixtures for 2024.

Haydock Racecard and Haydock Tips

The racecards for Haydock races will be released the day before the races are set to happen (Haydock races tomorrow). You can view full Haydock race card in advance, check out  – horse racing cards tomorrow and horse racing cards today. In these, you will get an advance look at all the runners, trainers, form and riders.

You can also of course purchase a racecard from the track which carries much of the same useful information. Many like to keep these as souvenirs, especially from major racing events.

Other Events at Haydock

As a multi-purpose event venue, there’s always something on at Haydock Racecourse.

Upcoming gigs include the Pussycat Dolls, and charity days are planned for a variety of causes. Haydock has a reputation for announcing big-name artists booked to perform – previous acts include Kylie Minogue and Nile Rodgers!

Haydock Park Racecourse

Popular Questions

✅What is the dress code for Haydock races?

Gentlemen are asked to wear a buttoned collared shirt and smart trousers.  Jeans are allowed as long as they’re not faded or ripped. Fancy dress, sportswear, trainers are not permitted.

✅Can you take your own food and drink to Haydock races?

On certain days picnics are permitted but only food and soft drinks are allowed into the racecourse (no alcohol) and they must be consumed within the Be Friendly Enclosure.

✅Can you take alcohol into Haydock races?

No alcohol can be brought onto the premises. If so it will be confiscated on arrival by a member of the security.

✅Can children go to Haydock races?

Yes! Children of all ages are welcome at Haydock with all under 17s given free entrance.

Haydock Park Racecourse Summary

Haydock is a brilliant and lively course set in beautiful parkland – it is actually the home course of The British Racecourses team!

With a packed schedule, top-class racing and fun crowds there is something for racing fans and those just on a night out. Owned by the Jockey Club major races include the Betfair Chase (won by the legend Kauto Star) and Haydock Sprint.

Sandwiched between Manchester and Liverpool there are plenty of options and places to stay and you can combine your visit with staying in those great cities.

Great customer service to boot – a top pick!

A British Racecourse Guide top pick and one of our Top 10 Racecourses in the country.

Other UK Racecourses

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