Betfair Chase takes place at Haydock Park this weekend

Some of the best horses in England and Ireland will head to the Merseyside racecourse, all hoping to win Britain’s first Grade One Chase of the season.

Among the attractions returning will be last year’s Betfair Chase winner A Plus Tard under Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore for trainer Henry de Bromhead.

The eight-year-old champion will come face-to-face with three-time winner of the race, Bristol de Mai, as they compete for first place.

Last year’s winner and this year’s favourite A Plus Tard (Image: The Jockey Club / John Grassick)

Molly Dingwall, general manager of Haydock Park, said: "We are all so excited for the Betfair Chase – it really is one of the main highlights of the year here. 

"It will be my first Grade One jump race as general manager and to have horses like A Plus Tard and Protektorat coming here is really special. 

"It’s the perfect occasion for both racing fans and those just looking to come for a good day out. As well as top-class action on the track, there will also be plenty going on around the racecourse, such as the Haydock Band who will be playing throughout the morning to keep the crowds entertained.” 

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Discussing last year’s Betfair Chase champion, Henry de Bromhead said: "A Plus Tard seems in great form and is working really well. Rachael (Blackmore) schooled him this morning and touch wood he jumped really well so all seems good at the moment. 

"There is plenty to fear from our rivals for sure, I always think there’s something to fear. Bristol de Mai is a three-time winner of the race and even when you hear what Frodon is priced at (20-1 with Betfair) – they’re all high-class horses. 

"It’s a Grade One race and I fear them all to be honest. Protektorat ran really well in the Gold Cup so it should be a great race."

Here’s all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s race:

Location:

The popular race will take place at Haydock Park Racecourse in Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ.

Date and time:

Those attending on Saturday, November 19, are able to get into the racecourse from 10:10am and are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere.

The competition will begin with the first race taking place at 12:10pm with the Betfair Weighed In Podcast Newton Novices’ Hurdle Race, with the last race to set off at 3:35pm.

There will be seven races in total on the day, with the Betfair Race to the World Cup stakes to take place at 11:30am.  

Who’s racing:

Also one of the horses headed to the Merseyside venue with A Plus Tard and Bristol de Mai is Protektorat, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and trained by Alcester-based Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother, Harry. 

The seven-year-old horse is predicted to be a strong contender following Gold Cup success.

Weather:

Kirkland Tellwright, clerk of the course at Haydock Park, provided the following update on the ground ahead of Saturday’s fixture: "The going today is Good To Soft, Soft in places on the chase course and Good To Soft on the hurdle course. 

"We’ve got wet days forecast on Tuesday and Thursday and if the forecast is accurate, we’ll certainly not be any quicker than we are now and we might be a bit easier."

Tickets:

Grandstand and Paddock - 

Adult £27.50 | Child 5 -17 years FREE | Group 15+ £25

Country Enclosure - 

Adult £40 | Adult Paddock Club Package £80 | Children 5-17 years FREE

Be Friendly - 

Adult £15 | Children 5-17 years FREE

To purchase tickets for the Betfair Chase, visit The Jockey Club website at http://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/haydock.