Haydock Park Horse Races

Horse racing in the area can be traced back to the early 1800’s and the current Haydock Park racetrack can trace its roots back to 1899 when the course was first opened.

Haydock Park is a mostly flat oval which is around 1 mile and 5 furlongs in length with a slight uphill finish over the last 4 and a half furlongs.

The court has been extended to feature a six furlong sprint for Flat Racing with National Hunt races also taking place at Haydock Park to give great action all year round, with flat racing predominantly throughout the summer and National Hunt racing predominantly throughout the winter.

Notable Races That You Can Watch At Haydock Racecourse

As is the case with top race tracks such as Haydock and especially with courses that host racing year around on both a flat and national hunt racing basis, there are a number of great races held at the course and if you are not coated near by or if you cannot make it to the course, the great news is that all of the races listed below or any other races from Haydock can be watched live online via the great Haydock races live stream services featured on this very page.

As a mixed racecourse featuring both a flat course and a National Hunt jump course, there is great action to be watched all year round at Haydock races.

The track at the course is a mostly flat left-handed oval which is 1 mile and 5 furlongs in length although there is an extension chute that allows for sprints of up to 6 furlongs to be raced down the home straight and in front of the large grandstands.

In the warmer and firmer summer months it is flat racing that dominates at Haydock, as it does at do many turf tracks up and down the country.

Notable flat races at Haydock include; The Spring Trophy (a listed race run over 7 furlongs for 3 year olds and up), the Silver Bowl (a handicap run over 1 mile for 3 year olds), the Temple Stakes (a group 2 race run over 7 furlongs for 3 year olds and over), the Sandy Lane Stakes 9a group 2 race run over 6 furlongs for 3 year olds only), the Pinnacle Stakes (a group 3 race run over 1 mile 3 furlongs and 200 yards for 4 year old and above fillies), the Achilles Stakes (a listed race run over 5 furlongs for 3 year olds and above), the John of Gaunt Stakes (a group 3 race run over 7 furlongs for 4 year olds and over), the Old Newton Cup (a handicap race run over 1 mile 3 furlongs and 200 yards for four year olds and above), the Lancashire Oaks (a group 2 race run over 1 mile 3 furlongs and 200 yards for 3 year old and above fillies), the Dick Hern Fillies Stakes (run over 1 mile for 3 year old and above fillies), the Rose of Lancashire Stakes (a group 3 race run over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 95 yards for 3 year olds and above), the Ascendant Stakes (run over 1 mile for 2 year olds only), the Haydock Sprint Cup (a group 1 race run over 6 furlongs for 3 year olds and above) and the Superior Mile (a group 3 race run over 1 mile for 3 year olds and above).

The National Hunt racing at Haydock can be split into chase and hurdle racing with a good mix of notable races in both category.

Notable chase races include; the Altcar Novices Chase (a grade 2 race run over 2 mile and 5 furlongs for 5 year olds and over), the Peter Marsh Chase (a grade 2 race run over 3 miles and 1 furlong for 5 year olds and above), the Grand National Trial (a grade 3 race run over 3 miles and 4 furlongs for horses aged 5 and above), the Betfair Chase (a handicap race run over 3 miles for 4 year olds and over) and the Tommy Whittle Chase (a handicap race run over 3 miles for 4 year olds and above).

Notable hurdle races include; the Rossington Main Novices Hurdle (a grade 2 race run over 2 miles for 4 year olds and above), the Champion Hurdle Trial (a grade 2 race run over 2 miles for 4 year olds and over), the Rendlesham Hurdle (a grade 2 race run over 3 miles for 4 years and over), the Prestige Novices Hurdle (a grade 2 race run over 3 miles for year olds and above), the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle (run over 2 miles for 4 year olds only), the Swinton Handicap Hurdle (a grade 3 race run over 2 miles for 4 year olds and above) and the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle (a grade 3 race run over 3 miles and 7 furlongs for 4 year olds and over).

No matter if you are wanting to watch one of the great races above or any other race from Haydock Park you can do just that via our Haydock races live stream partners.

Whilst there are wagering commitments to watch the action live, the chances are that if you wanting to watch Haydock races live, the chances are that you are wanting to bet on the action anyway, so simply choose one of the bookie son this page and watch along live.

Choose Where To Watch Racing From Haydock Live

All of these bookies offer live Haydock Park races streaming, choose your favourite or simply the bookie requiring the lowest stake (the bet you need to place to watch live horse racing via the bookmaker).

History of Haydock Park Racecourse

1752: The beginnings of organised racing in Newton-le-Willows

The story of Haydock Park Races begins before the modern racecourse existed. According to the official history published by The Jockey Club, organised race meetings were first established at nearby Newton-le-Willows in 1752. These early meetings took place around two and a half miles from the present Haydock Park site, on an extensive area of common land known as Golborne Heath.

The meetings were initially associated with the Newton Hunt, one of the Lancashire hunting organisations that flourished before industrial development transformed much of the surrounding landscape. Hunting communities played an important role in early British steeplechasing, as riding across open countryside helped establish the sporting traditions from which organised jump racing developed.

The Newton meetings attracted participants and spectators from the local community. Although the hunting fraternity provided much of the early support, racing was not restricted exclusively to those involved in hunting. As industry expanded in the region, the meetings also attracted people who wanted to watch the sport as spectators.

The original Newton meetings continued, with interruptions, until 1898. Their long history provides the foundation for Haydock Park’s identity and explains why the modern racecourse retains a connection with the name Newton through the Old Newton Cup.

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries: Racing and industrial Lancashire

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, horse racing developed alongside major changes in Lancashire’s economy and population. Industrial growth brought new communities, transport connections and audiences to the area. These changes helped expand the appeal of organised sporting events beyond the traditional hunting and landowning circles.

Racing on Golborne Heath reflected a broader pattern found throughout Britain, where common land and open countryside were used for meetings before purpose-built racecourses became more widespread. Such venues often relied on local organisation, community support and the patronage of influential residents.

Haydock Park’s eventual location was associated with the Legh family, a prominent Lancashire family whose estates shaped the surrounding landscape. The family later became associated with the name Newton through its titles and local connections. The woodland and tree-lined avenues that distinguish the modern course preserve something of the parkland character of the estate.

By the late nineteenth century, the continued development of the region and the popularity of racing created the conditions for a more permanent venue. Organisers needed a course capable of hosting regular meetings with improved facilities and a more structured racing programme.

1898–1899: The creation of Haydock Park

The current Haydock Park Racecourse was established in the late nineteenth century, opening in 1899. Its creation followed the long tradition of racing at Newton-le-Willows and provided a permanent venue for the sport in the area.

The early development of Haydock Park was closely associated with Sydney Sandon, who held several important positions during the racecourse’s formative years, including course secretary, chairman and managing director. His involvement helped shape the organisation and growth of the venue during its early decades.

The new racecourse offered a more developed setting for organised racing than the earlier meetings on common land. Its location between Liverpool and Manchester allowed it to draw spectators from across the North West, while road and rail connections helped make race days accessible to a wider audience.

Haydock Park’s parkland setting was an important feature of its identity. Although the surrounding region was increasingly industrial, the course retained an atmosphere of open space, mature trees and landscaped avenues. This combination of accessibility and countryside character continues to distinguish the venue today.

The twentieth century: Establishing a major dual-purpose venue

Throughout the twentieth century, Haydock Park developed into a significant venue for both flat racing and National Hunt racing. Flat racing provided contests over measured distances without obstacles, while jump racing tested horses over hurdles and fences. Hosting both disciplines enabled the racecourse to maintain a varied programme across the calendar.

The development of the racing programme brought different types of horses and competitors to Haydock. Sprint races demanded speed and acceleration, while longer flat races tested stamina and tactical judgement. Jump meetings introduced another set of challenges, with horses required to negotiate obstacles while maintaining their pace and balance.

The course became known for its ability to stage important fixtures across the year. The Grand National Trial in February, the Temple Stakes in May, the Old Newton Cup and Lancashire Oaks in July, the Sprint Cup in September and the Betfair Chase in November became notable features of its calendar.

These races gave Haydock Park a broad identity rather than tying it to a single event. The venue could attract flat racing specialists in summer and leading jump racing horses in winter, helping it develop a prominent place in the North’s racing calendar.

1966: The first running of the Haydock Sprint Cup

A major milestone came in 1966, when the Haydock Sprint Cup was first run. The race was established as a major contest for sprinters and has since become one of the leading six-furlong races in British flat racing.

The inaugural running took place on 5 November 1966 and was won by Be Friendly, trained by Cyril Mitchell and owned by Sir Peter O’Sullevan. Be Friendly returned to win the race again in 1967, becoming the only horse to have won the Sprint Cup twice, according to historical race records published by the racecourse.

The Sprint Cup developed in importance over subsequent decades, attracting leading horses from Britain and abroad. Its six-furlong distance creates a fast, tactical contest in which positioning and acceleration can be decisive. The race’s status as a Group 1 event reflects its position at the highest level of flat racing.

Among its memorable winners was Dayjur, who won in 1990 and became famous for his exceptional speed. The race continues to serve as a major target for elite sprinters and is one of the principal reasons racing fans travel to Haydock Park each September.

1990s and beyond: Recognition and continued investment

By the end of the twentieth century, Haydock Park had established itself as one of the North West’s principal racecourses. The venue received Racecourse of the Year awards in 1998 and 2000, reflecting its reputation for racing quality and the experience offered to visitors.

Investment in facilities continued as expectations for modern racecourses evolved. Haydock Park developed grandstands, restaurants, bars and private viewing suites, helping it accommodate both general admission spectators and visitors seeking premium hospitality. The course also expanded its use as an events venue, hosting conferences and other functions outside the racing calendar.

The modern racecourse is owned and operated by The Jockey Club, one of Britain’s leading racing organisations. Its role within the wider network of British racecourses has helped sustain investment and maintain a varied programme of fixtures.

2005: The first Betfair Chase

The Betfair Chase was first run in 2005 as a Grade 1 steeplechase, quickly becoming one of Haydock Park’s signature races. Contested over approximately three miles and one and a half furlongs, it attracts leading staying chasers and provides an important early-season test for horses with championship ambitions.

The race gained particular attention through the performances of Kauto Star, who won in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011. His repeated victories established a strong association between the horse and Haydock Park. Kauto Star went on to achieve major success in other championship races, reinforcing the Betfair Chase’s reputation as an important indicator of staying-chase form.

Other notable winners include Cue Card, who won three consecutive renewals from 2013 to 2016, and Bristol de Mai, who won in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Bristol de Mai’s 2017 victory by 57 lengths was particularly remarkable and remains one of the most striking performances in the race’s history.

The Betfair Chase is now a major fixture in the British jump racing season. Its late-November timing gives it a distinctive place in the calendar, bringing together leading horses as they begin campaigns that may culminate at the Cheltenham Festival or other major spring meetings.

Haydock Park today

Today, Haydock Park remains a leading dual-purpose racecourse in the North West, hosting both flat and National Hunt racing. The modern venue stages a substantial programme of fixtures each year, including the Sprint Cup, Betfair Chase, Old Newton Cup, Lancashire Oaks, Temple Stakes and Grand National Trial.

Its location near Newton-le-Willows makes it accessible from Liverpool, Manchester and the wider North West. The course is situated close to junction 23 of the M6 and offers a combination of grandstands, hospitality suites, restaurants, bars and event facilities.

Haydock Park also continues to offer entertainment and seasonal events alongside its core racing programme. Its role as a venue for conferences, private functions and celebrations reflects the broader development of modern racecourses as destinations for sport and hospitality.

From the early meetings on Golborne Heath in 1752 to the opening of the modern racecourse in 1899, Haydock Park’s history reflects the development of organised racing in Lancashire. Its growth has been shaped by industrial change, the popularity of flat and jump racing, the creation of famous races and continuing investment in spectator facilities.

For today’s racegoers, that heritage adds depth to a visit. Whether attending the Sprint Cup, watching the Betfair Chase or discovering the racecourse for the first time, visitors experience a venue that has evolved over generations while retaining its distinctive parkland character. The names of the races may be familiar to modern fans, but their stories connect today’s meetings with more than two centuries of racing tradition in the surrounding area.