Announcements

HALLOWEEN marks the start of an eagerly anticipated jump racing season at Haydock Park.

The racecourse has an exciting line-up of fixtures between the final day of October and Easter, including the eighth Betfair Chase day next month, Peter Marsh Chase day in January and Grand National Trial day in February.

The racing action gets under way with Halloween raceday on Wednesday 31 October which is sponsored by the supporters of the racing industry’s principal ‘people’ charity, Racing Welfare.

There will be bags of entertainment for youngsters, including Halloween puppet shows, a witch entertainer, a craft workshop and spooky face painters.

The major jump racing highlight before the end of 2012 is the Betfair Chase Festival on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 November when sports fans will descend on Haydock Park in big numbers.

The eyes of the racing world will be on the racecourse to witness the return to action of the former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander, the winner of the Betfair Chase two years ago. The three-mile race, which is worth £200,000 in prize-money, is the climax of two days of top class racing.

John Baker, North West Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “The Betfair Chase Festival is the highlight of the jump racing season at Haydock Park and we’re anticipating another superb occasion in November. The meeting puts the racecourse in the national sporting spotlight and always attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd.”

Before the year is out, Haydock Park will also host Blue Square Tommy Whittle Chase day on Saturday 22 December and the popular Last Fling day on Sunday 30 December.

2013 brings top class jump racing horses aplenty on Peter Marsh Chase day when there will be many clues to the outcome of the big races at the Cheltenham Festival.

Grand National Trial day is on Saturday 16 February when horses on their way to race in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree will be put through their paces.

The jump racing season of 2012/3 at Haydock Park rounds off on ‘Easter’ Saturday which is 30 March.

Tickets on Wednesday 31 October

Adult tickets: £13 (combined Newton and Tattersalls Enclosures); £24 (County Stand); £36 (Premier Suite).

The first race is scheduled for 1.40pm. Gates open at 11.40am.

2012/3 jump racing season dates at Haydock Park

October:

Wednesday 31st

November:

Friday 23rd; Saturday 24th

December:

Saturday 22nd

Sunday 30th

January:

Saturday 19th

February:

Saturday 16th

March:

Wednesday 20th; Saturday 30th