HAYDOCK Park welcomed a new general manager of the racecourse in the summer.

With one of the biggest dates in Haydock's calendar - the Betfair Chase - on the horizon, Molly Dingwall spoke to us about landing her dream job, her ambitions for the future, and what's in store for next year at the park. 

How long have you now been at Haydock Park and how did you get here? 

MD: I have now been at Haydock Park for four months, and what a whirlwind it has been.

At university I studied festival and events management at Edinburgh Napier University and managed a nightclub and bar during that time. When I finished university, I continued to manage the nightclub but wanted to experience a more corporate side of things and put my degree into use.

A job opening came up at Perth Racecourse as a sales and events co-ordinator and I leapt at the chance.  

The job combined my love of horses, sport, and business. I had always been an avid horse racing fan growing up, so it really was a dream come true.

I was at Perth over a year before being headhunted to Aintree Racecourse to work as a Business Development Executive for Conference and Events. This was also the start of my career in the Jockey Club. 

I was in this job for a year when The Jockey Club announced a new induction of a trainee general manager, this really excited me as it was what I had set my sights upon as my dream job right from the start. 

St Helens Star: Molly has a wealth of experience in events management and horses Molly has a wealth of experience in events management and horses (Image: The Jockey Club)

I was lucky enough to be given this position and I trained to be a general manager for just over a year before gaining a position at Carlisle Racecourse, where I stayed for four-and-a-half years.  

It is a sensational racecourse with an amazing community, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there - it will always hold a very special place in my heart. 

Haydock Park had been in my sights as a next step for my career as it is a bigger racecourse than Carlisle and has some very prestigious races including the upcoming Betfair Chase on November 19. 

Did you always want to work in horse racing?  

MD: I hadn’t really thought of it as a career, I really enjoyed going racing but hadn’t considered it. Now though I couldn’t imagine working elsewhere! It is a very special industry and has an amazing community. 

What is your favourite thing about Haydock Park?  

MD: There are many amazing things at Haydock Park, but my favourite thing is the amazing team that work here. 

What is the thing you’re looking forward to the most this season?  

MD: It has to be the Betfair Chase for me, I have dreamed of the day that I would be in charge of a racecourse that had a Grade 1 race and one of my favourite races is this race - it’s a real pinch me moment.  

The buzz is really starting to pick up and having seen the entries for the race – its safe to say I am very excited. 

What do racegoers have to look forward to over the coming months? 

MD: We have so much to look forward to including another four race days this year as well as a host of Christmas party nights which are really popular. 

Do you have any plans of things you’d like to see or do at Haydock Park?  

MD: I have lots of ideas and plans, but I want to settle into the local community for a couple more months yet before releasing any ideas. 

Which horse/s would you most like to see running here this season? 

MD: I think it must be A Plus Tard, who won the Betfair Chase before going on to win the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022. He’s been entered to run again here at Haydock this year – to see him will be very exciting.  

What do you love most about horse racing?  

MD: I think it has to be the camaraderie between horses, jockeys and stable staff. The passion and love for horses really is unprecedented.  

Can we look forward to more music nights at Haydock Park next year?  

MD: We’ve had some amazing acts over the years including Sir Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue and Olly Murs and we look forward to announcing 2023 acts soon. 

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself? 

MD: I won a charity race at Warwick Racecourse on a horse called Dove Mountain who has since retired from racing and now belongs to me.