The nine race stayers  series will be known as the 'J2O White Blend Summer Series', run from 6 August to 25 September 2010 at eight Jockey Club Racecourses: Haydock Park (two fixtures), Nottingham, Sandown Park, Carlisle, Newmarket, Warwick, Epsom Downs and Kempton Park.

The competition will climax with the 'J2O White Blend Summer Series Final' at Haydock Park Racecourse on Saturday 25 September 2010, which is scheduled to be televised live on Channel 4 and specialist channel Racing UK.

As part of the deal, Britvic Soft Drinks Limited will receive a package of rights, including branding on trackside signage, the presentation podium, number cloths, winners' blankets and media materials; advertising on the big screen and in the racecard; allocated tickets; hospitality facilities; and associated marketing rights. The company will also present a cash reward to the stable staff member in charge of the 'Best Turned Out' horse in each race.

Britvic Soft Drinks Limited is already a Jockey Club Racecourses 'pouring partner', supplying soft drinks and mixers to Jockey Club Catering, which is a joint venture between the racecourse group and Compass.

Jonathan Gatward, Brand Director, Britvic Soft Drinks, said: "We are very excited to be partnering with The Jockey Club this summer. It represents a great platform to broaden the awareness of our new light and refreshing J2O White Blend range, a product that we hope many race fans will be enjoying as much as the racing this summer."

Paul Fisher, Chief Operating Officer of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "It's fantastic to be working with Britvic on this exciting flat race series, which takes our existing relationship to a new level. Racing is Britain's second most popular attendance sport and offers great value to commercial partners and a big opportunity to see strong returns on their investment.

"Recognised brands like Britvic and its J2O White Blend range can make all the difference in helping to market our sport to new customers, while supporting its financial health."

About The Jockey Club
The Jockey Club is at the heart of racing in Great Britain as the largest commercial group in the sport. Its group interests include:

Jockey Club Racecourses: Responsible for the operation of a diversified portfolio of 14 racecourses in Great Britain. The group stages four of the five 'Classics' (the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom Downs and the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket), as well as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.
Jockey Club Estates: The property and land management company responsible for the management and administration of more than 5,000 acres of land in and around the racing training centres of Newmarket and Lambourn, as well as an extensive property portfolio, including the original Jockey Club Rooms.
The National Stud: Transferred from Government to The Jockey Club in 2008, the National Stud is a commercial thoroughbred breeding enterprise with a commitment to provide training and educational programmes.
Racing Welfare: A racing charity and company limited by guarantee with The Jockey Club being the sole member. The principal objective of Racing Welfare is to provide help to those in need who work or have worked in the thoroughbred industry, and their dependants.
In accordance with its objectives in the Royal Charter, The Jockey Club re-invests its profits and promotes measures to sustain and enhance the long-term success of the sport.

About Britvic Soft Drinks
Britvic plc is one of the UK's leading soft drinks manufacturers and is dedicated to creating and building brands such as Pepsi, Robinsons, Tango and J2O into household names. Operating in both the 'Take Home' and 'On-Premise' markets, it is the largest supplier of branded still soft drinks and the number two supplier of branded carbonates. The company offers its customers a portfolio of soft drinks to meet every consumer occasion and need and has a strong track record of delivering successful innovation. It is also currently the leading supplier of soft drinks to the licensed channel.

Britvic enjoys a successful, long-standing relationship with PepsiCo, as the bottler and distributor of PepsiCo's key carbonated brands, Pepsi and 7UP, as well as Gatorade, V Water, Lipton Ice Tea and most recently, Mountain Dew Energy. Britvic's relationship with Pepsi began in 1987, when the company was awarded the UK franchise. The EBA (Exclusive Bottling Agreement) was successfully renewed with PepsiCo in 2004.

About J2O White Blend
The J2O  juice range is now worth £174m per year in the UK and is the number one adult soft drink. In May 2010, Britvic introduced a new 'J2O White Blend' range, with two variants, White Grape & Kiwi and a Red Grape & Blackcurrant, having worked closely with wine and food pairing expert Chris Scott to create the perfectly blended drink available at the same price as the core range.

The J2O White Blend flavours work well with a variety of foods. White Grape & Kiwi works well with white meats and more savoury and salty snacks, whilst Red Grape & Blackcurrant with its fruitiness and spicy notes complements stronger, more complex foods.

For further information:
If you require further information or wish to make a request to speak to a spokesperson for The Jockey Club, please contact Scott Bowers, Group Director of Communications, The Jockey Club, on +44 7809 665 840 or email scott.bowers@thejockeyclub.co.uk.
To reach the Britvic Soft Drinks Press Office, please contact +44 1245 261 871 or email marisa.fitch@britvic.co.uk or one of the Publicity team on +44 1441 261 199 or email britvic@publicasity.co.uk.

Runners-up in the X Factor in 2008, their first two singles have gone to the top of the radio airplay charts, and the group have just released their debut album which sold half a million copies in three weeks.

The most successful new group of the year, they embarked on a UK tour to sell-out audiences in December 2009.

And their February 2010 UK tour sold out within 24 hours with extra dates being added due to popular demand for both London and Manchester.

Dickon White, Haydock Park Racecourse's managing director, said: "This is a major coup for the racecourse.  JLS will be a big hit with us.

"They are now so well known after their popularity on the X Factor, and are perfect for our Saturday music night in June."

Formed just two years ago, for most of the British public, Oritsé, JB, Aston and Marvin are the most successful group of all time to enter the X Factor.

JLS – short for Jack the Lad Swing, a composite of their cheeky onstage persona – will play at the second music night of 2010 at Haydock Park on Saturday 19 June.

Tickets, which include the evening's horse racing too, are now SOLD OUT for this event.

Haydock Park's popular music nights during the Flat racing season in the spring and summer are increasingly pulling in the big name bands and artists.

The racecourse has already announced that Simply Red are returning in 2010.  It follows on from the band's groundbreaking performance in August 1999.  They play live again on Saturday 17 July in 2010 and for the last remaining tickets, book online or call our ticket hotline on 0844 579 3006.

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

Best of the Best in City Region's Visitor Economy Line Up for Top Honours and Celebrations

Haydock Park Racecourse is delighted to announce its place in the shortlist for the final round of judging in the category of Business Tourism for "The Mersey Partnership's Annual Tourism Awards 2010", Liverpool City Region's official Tourist Board.

A total of 15 awards will be presented during a prestigious celebration dinner on Thursday 10th June at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool, in front of a gathering of 500 guests, with 11 of the Awards Category winners automatically going through to the England's Northwest Tourism Awards organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) later this year, and the chance to represent the region in the national finals.

TMP Chief Executive Lorraine Rogers commented: "We are delighted to see the calibre of entries. The shortlist highlights how strong the Visitor Economy is and the Awards will recognise the hard work and commitment to excellence."

Nick Brooks-Sykes, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, said: "These awards recognise the best of the City Region's tourism businesses; the shortlisted finalists reflect the excellent quality and diverse range of visitor experiences to be found across the Northwest. They set the benchmark for others to follow and I hope we will once again have some strong contenders from Liverpool City Region at the regional awards later this year."

Dickon White, MD at Haydock Park Racecourse commented: "We are delighted to be shortlisted for one of these prestigious awards.  This is a fantastic achievement for all the team at Haydock Park and a great reward for efforts throughout the year.  We are proud of what Haydock Park has achieved and hope to be successful in this award."

The awards are supported by the NWDA, Merseytravel, Liverpool ONE, ACC Liverpool and BBC Radio Merseyside.

The Tourism Awards ceremony is a real celebration event, with a gala dinner, awards presentation and entertainment – and is the highlight of the Visitor Economy calendar.

After last week's opening three-day meeting of the 2010 Flat racing season, there's exciting action this coming Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

Haydock Park is renowned for its Ladies' Evenings. Friday night is the first ever Gent's Evening.

Cheshire Oaks will be offering style consultations, Berkley Bowen will be offering tailoring tips, a Formula 1 simulator will be in action, BMWs will be on display and there will be a 'best dressed' visitor contest. Added to the mix are two 'naked jockeys' - models with spray on jockey silks - directing visitors to the parade ring.

St Helens top darts player Dave Chisnall, who is now sponsored by Haydock Park, will be taking part in a darts competition with visitors to the racecourse.

The racing is high class on Saturday 29 May, including the £65,000 Group 3 Timeform Jury Stakes.

There's every likelihood that the two top contenders for this year's jockeys' championship will be at the racecourse. The current champion Ryan Moore and his rival Kieren Fallon have both been booked to ride horses.

There are three other Class 1 races as well, one of which is the EBF Joan Westbrook Pinnacle Stakes in memory of Lady Westbrook, a leading owner and breeder of racehorses, who died in 2004. She bred and owned the 2002 St Leger winner Bollin Eric which, like most her horses, was named after the River Bollin. The river flows through the farm on which she lived with husband Sir Neil at Prestbury in Cheshire.

First and last race times: Friday 28 May - 6.40pm-9.10pm; Saturday 29 May - 2pm-5.20pm.

*Admission: Newton Enclosure £10; Tattersalls £18; County Enclosure £28; Premier Enclosure £43. Accompanied children under 18 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price. More details about racing at Haydock Park are available on web site www.haydock-park.co.uk.

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

Hospital radio stations in Preston and Chorley have become the first in the country to offer horse racing commentary live from Haydock Park.

Avid horse-racing fans will now be able to hedge their bets and find out if their favourite is first past the post from the comfort of their beds at the Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble Hospitals.

The idea was the brainchild of hospital radio volunteers who decided to offer live sporting action to relieve the monotony.

They carried out a trial of live horse racing commentary and it was so successful it will now become a regular fixture on Saturdays.

Ian Gornall, sports editor for hospital radio at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We do live football commentary of Preston North End football matches, but we became conscious that we were not offering any other sporting commentary.

"My station manager told me she wanted more sport, so I went and organised live horse racing commentary from Haydock Park Racing Media Group, which owns the race courses, and Haydock Park management, kindly allowed me to go ahead.

"We have been given a private box with a telephone line and a television at Haydock Park and we do all the commentary live from there on race days. As far as I know, we are the only hospital radio station in the country to offer this.

"The hospital radio service that comes through the TV system is free of charge, but if patients wanted to watch the race, they would have to pay for a Patientline card to be able to watch the TV.

"Horse racing is something that we can offer good descriptive commentary on and this can keep hospital patients entertained on a Saturday afternoon when they may not have any visitors."

Joyce Openshaw, 95, who lives in Barton, near Preston, is currently in hospital after suffering a fall. She said: "I used to go to the Haydock Races with my husband, William. He loved horse racing and I enjoyed meeting friends.  We occasionally used to bet on the horses. I think offering horse racing on hospital radio is a very good idea, provided they are, like me, not fools and know how to work it."

A spokesman for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals said: "Hospital radio provides an important aid to patient relaxation, comfort and recovery and it beats boredom.

"Hospital radio is staffed by volunteers and we are very grateful for their efforts in providing such a valuable community service."

The hospital racing commentary from Haydock will begin on Saturday May 29 and will run from 2pm until 5pm on race days.

The Haydock Park Racing Excellence Apprentice Training series begins on Friday evening (21 MAY).  None of the riders taking part has won more than 20 races and they will all receive tuition and advice from a riding coach.

The series' sponsor is the betting exchange Betdaq which will award a prize to the young jockey who accumulates most points during the races.

John Francome, former champion jockey, is a great advocator of the training and education of young jockeys.

He said: "I am pleased to be the Ambassador for Racing Excellence. Good riding skills and learning to use your hands and heels instead of relying on the whip is something that I am passionate about.  These training races provide an invaluable opportunity for jockeys to develop these skills."

After Friday, the remaining six races will be run on Thursday evening 10 June, Friday evening 2 July, Friday 16 July, Friday evening 30 July, Friday evening 6 August and Friday 24 September.

The first race on Friday 21 May is 6.30pm.  The finale is at 9pm.

*Admission: Newton Enclosure £10; Tattersalls £18; County Enclosure £28; Premier Enclosure £43.  Accompanied children under 18 enter free.   Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.  More details about racing at Haydock Park are available on web site www.haydock-park.co.uk.

For further information, please contact: Dickon White, Managing Director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963.

Sunday 10th October 2010

Calling all Brides To Be!

Haydock Park Racecourse will be hosting a Wedding Fayre on Sunday 10th October 2010.  This is your opportunity to come and view our fantastic suites, all laid out for a Wedding Reception! 

Or, if you already have your venue booked, come and visit the numerous stand-holders here on hand to give you some great tips and innovative ideas for your big day!

Doors open at 12 noon until 4pm with Fashion shows commencing from 2pm.

Entrance Fee £1.00 with complimentary 'Just Brides' Brochure, Bucks Fizz and Canapes on arrival. 

Car Parking is FREE!

This year Haydock Park have teamed up their summer evening race nights with Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village, who will have their style consultants on hand to talk you through their summer styles and offer fashion fixes.  In addition we are celebrating the opening of our newly refurbished Champagne Bar, which for 2010 is even bigger and better.

Join in the celebration at a Silent Disco with Radio City DJ's on all of the Ladies' Nights on Friday (eve) 21st May, Friday (eve) 2nd July and Friday (eve) 6th August.  'Benefit Cosmetics' will be offering free mini makeovers to female race-goers, and watch out for the Best Dressed Team.  If they spot you, you could go through to the grand fashion finale on Friday 6th August.  The winner will receive some amazing prizes from Cheshire Oaks, as well as a professional photo shoot with 'Firefly Photography'.

'Love is in the air' on Friday 30th July, as Haydock Park have teamed up with 'Fast Love' to provide Speed Dating games for all those searching for true love.

And if that isn't enough, there are fast cars and a chance to play against professional local darts player "Chizzy" on our Gents' Night on Friday (eve) 28th May, so just choose which Summer Race Night you would like to experience!

Book your tickets now and get Ready to Race with Haydock Park Racecourse this Summer!

Friday 21st May (Evening) - Ladies' Night
Friday 28th May (Evening) - Gents' Night
Friday 2nd July (Evening) - Ladies' Night
Friday 30th July (Evening) - Summer Loving
Friday 6th August (Evening) - Ladies' Night Finale

So...Grab your hats and don your finest for a fantastic night out with friends, family, clients or colleagues.  These evenings combine all the thrills of first class racing together with the glamorous world of fashion in conjunction with Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village!

Tickets available online at haydock-park.co.uk or via our ticket hotline at 0844 579 3006.

SPECIAL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON THESE DATES, PLEASE CALL SONIA WHITFIELD ON 01942 405 605 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a company to gain valuable ongoing marketing exposure during our busy summer flat season.  We have available a Racing Excellence Apprentice Training series which offers sponsorship of seven flat races between May to September. This series will provide opportunities for Apprentice Jockeys who have ridden not more than 20 winners at the start of the series to ride in the series and receive tuition and advice on their riding from a Jockey Coach.  The racedays included in this series are:

• Friday (eve) 21st May
• Thursday (eve) 10th June
• Friday (eve) 2nd July
• Friday 16th July
• Friday (eve) 30th July
• Friday (eve) 6th August
• Friday 24th September

Sponsorship Package:

The sponsor of this series will receive the following exclusive sponsorship benefits:

• Seven series named races - the race names appear in the national newspapers, the "Racing Post" and the day's racecard, as well as receiving credits through CCTV, PA announcements and Racing UK television coverage
• Free full page advertisements in each of the day or evening's racecard
• Branding - banners placed in strategic sites across the course including centre course, the main driveway and entrance areas, the parade ring and winner's enclosure, entrance flags, annual on-course board, running promotional video through CCTVs
• Wide range of hospitality options
• Entry badges for customers and staff incentives
• Opportunities for VIP guests or competition winners to select the 'best turned out horse' in your race and present prizes to the winning owner, trainer & jockey of your races on the winner's podium and further opportunity for branding exposure
• Product showcasing, trade stands, on-site competitions, discount vouchers, promotional campaigns
• Website web links, news items, on-line competitions, marketing opportunities through our social networking sites (facebook, twitter, etc)

Further information on the Racing Excellence Apprentice series can be found at http://racingexcellence.careersinracing.com/.  The cost of the sponsorship of the Haydock Park series is at £8,000 plus VAT and for further details on this exclusive opportunity, please contact Diane Glover on 01942 402617, email diane.glover@thejockeyclub.co.uk.

During his journey, he will visit all 60 racecourses in Britain in 60 consecutive days, criss-crossing the country in a 10,000 mile marathon. Each course apart from Taunton, which will be visited for a special event, will have a race meeting on the day of the visit, and Bob will arrange a special package for all the supporters who wish to join him and have obtained a pass for the Champions 60:60 Charity Challenge. We are aiming to encourage 50 supporters a day to raise a minimum of £50 each to entitle them to participate in the challenge event.

In return for their £50 minimum donation, each person will gain free entry to the Club enclosure of their chosen meeting, discover how racing works behind the scenes, meet with Bob Champion, walk the course before racing, combined with a photo opportunity with Bob and some of the jockeys on the day plus visiting celebrities. Also they will receive a free bet courtesy of the Tote and a Golden 60:60 Grand Draw Ticket with some truly magnificent prizes.

The 60:60 Challenge will round off with a return to Ascot during the Royal Meeting on June 16th.  There will be celebrations at which we will draw the winning tickets for the 60:60 Grand Draw.

The event sponsor is Lotus, who will provide their latest "Evora" sports car for Bob to travel from course to course.  Other sponsors include Almond Resorts, Godolphin, The Gore Hotel, Saint Lucia Tourist Board, The Tote and Weatherbys.  The event website  www.champions6060.org.uk has all the information for people to find out more and to register for a place to join Bob at the races.  Bob will even 'twitter' every day.

We believe this is an event which will engage the imagination of the general public, raise much needed funds for two worthwhile causes, whilst offering a unique experience to some who may never have been to a racecourse before.

For further information please contact :-

Lucy Wilkinson
The Bob Champion Cancer Trust
6 Old Garden House
The Lanterns
Bridge Lane
London
SW11 3AD  
Email lucy@bobchampion.org.uk
Tel 020 7924  3553

Lisa Hancock
The Injured Jockeys Fund
1 Victoria Way
Newmarket
CB8 7SH
Email lh@ijf.org.uk
Tel 01638 662246

Event website www.champions6060.org.uk

The boy band and chart toppers who scored a double triumph at The Brits are performing after horse racing on Saturday 19 June, while Simply Red are playing on Saturday 17 July.

The racecourse's managing director Dickon White said: "I'm certain that we're going to sell out. Many thousands of tickets have already been snapped up online and on the telephone, so I would strongly recommend anyone who wants to see JLS or Simply Red at Haydock Park to book their tickets now."

Tickets, which include the evening's horse racing, are on sale online at www.haydock-park.co.uk. They start at £18 for 19 June and £20 for 17 July.

There is no free admission for under 18s on these two dates. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the ticket hotline - 0844 579 3006.

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

It will truly be an evening to remember with top class hospitality, including 4 course-meal, as well as entertainment to impress. Hattons Solicitors will also be raising money for the Steve Prescott Foundation throughout the day, helping Christies Hospital and the Try Assist Fund.

Hattons are selling hospitality places for this racing evening to both businesses and guests alike.

The hospitality package includes...

• Entry Badges
• Racecards
• Viewing of 6 races
• Racing Papers
• Car Parking
• Four-course sit-down menu in the Park Suite
• Full Waitress Food and Drinks Service
• Fully stocked Cash Bar
• Simply Red performing Live on a Summers Evening
• Auction and Raffle

This event is the perfect way to impress your business clients, reward your staff, or simply to enjoy a top class event with friends and colleagues.

Individual hospitality places are available at £98.70 plus VAT per person, or £987 plus VAT for a table of 10.

Sponsorship of one of the individual races is also available, to give your business fantastic brand exposure on what is set to be a very lively and well attended evening at the races. To book your place or for further details on sponsorship packages, contact John Tabern on 07882 540998 or email john.tabern@stradoneltd.com

Mon Mome, Dream Alliance and Hello Bud are among the 21 contenders for this weekend's £100,000 Blue Square Gold Cup.

The potential runners also include two previous winners of the Welsh National - in Miko De Beauchene and Haydock Park regular L'Aventure.

Dream Alliance will use the three and a half mile steeplechase - which is always a good pointer to the Grand National - as a stepping stone to Aintree.

The weights for the race are headed by veteran Our Vic, winner of last month's Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park.

Saturday's races - with almost £240,000 in prize-money on offer - also includes the Joseph Heler Cheese Hurdle (registered as the Rendlesham Hurdle) and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (registered as the Prestige Novices' Hurdle).

Dickon White, Haydock Park Racecourse's managing director, said: "With jump racing affected badly because of the wintry weather in recent weeks, it is welcome that we are putting on such a high class series of races.

"The Blue Square Gold Cup is certain to be a thrilling contest, and it would be marvellous to see the winners of the Grand National, Welsh National and Scottish National line up for it."

The opening race is scheduled for 1.55pm, with the afternoon wrapping up at 5.15pm with one of the most valuable amateur race on the calendar - the Bet On Your Mobile With Blue Square Walrus Hunters' Chase.

Accompanied children 17 years and under are, as always, given free admission, while senior citizens and students can enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.

*Admission: Newton Enclosure £8; Tattersalls £15; County Enclosure £23; Premier Enclosure £34. Accompanied children under 16 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price. More details about racing at Haydock Park are available on web site www.haydock-park.co.uk.

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942
725963

Following in the original Fab Four's footsteps, the Bootleg Beatles continue to keep the spirit and magic of the world's greatest pop group alive with sell out performances of classic hits such as 'Love Me Do', 'A Hard Day's Night' and 'Let it Be'.

Launching this year's Music Night concert series at Haydock Park, the internationally acclaimed Bootleg Beatles are the latest band confirmed for this year's line up; joining British soul sensations Simply Red who are set to wow crowds live after racing on Saturday 17 July.

With a further music night to be confirmed in the near future, the announcement of the Bootleg Beatles and Simply Red make up the strongest line up that has so far performed at Haydock Park Racecourse's concert night series and which is already set to be a huge hit for racing and music fans alike.

Dickon White, Haydock Park Racecourse's managing director, said: "Haydock Park's series of music nights after racing has got better year after year and the crowds keep returning in even big numbers. We are extremely excited to be welcoming the Bootleg Beatles on Saturday 24 April as we launch the 2010 season of music nights."

Tickets include the evening's horse racing and after racing concert and are on sale now.

Bookings can be made online at www.haydock-park.co.uk, by telephone on 0844
579 3006 or from Haydock Park Racecourse.

Tickets are priced at: Premier Enclosure £43; County Stand £28; Tattersalls £18; Newton Enclosure £10.

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on
01942 725963

More than a decade since Simply Red's phenomenal performance at Haydock Park, the legendary band are set to return to the racecourse on Saturday 17th July 2010 as part of their 'Live on a Summer Night's' tour.

The first of three acts confirmed to perform live after evening racing at next year's concert series, 2010 is already looking to be a year packed full of entertainment and top racing.

With a career spanning more than 25 years in the music industry, Simply Red, fronted by legendary British soul singer, Mick 'Red' Hucknall, will be performing hit after hit; from Money's Too Tight (To Mention), through to Holding Back The Years, If You Don't Know Me By Now, Stars and Fairground.

Dickon White, Haydock Park Racecourse's Managing Director, said: "Haydock Park's summer series of music nights after horse racing has just got better year after year – and the crowds return in big numbers.

"We're extremely excited to be welcoming back Mick Hucknall and the band 11 years after the first-ever concert at Haydock Park."

Tickets for the horse racing fixture and the Simply Red concert on Saturday 17 July are now on sale and can be booked online at

www.haydock-park.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3006.

Premier Enclosure £45; County Stand £34; Tattersalls £20;
For more information, go online at www.haydock-park.co.uk.RACING

The event recognises the excellence and achievements of all those businesses, organisations and individuals who contribute so much to the Borough's growing tourism industry.

A variety of categories cover the whole spectrum of the industry, from Most Welcoming Receptionist to Tourism/Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year. Independent guest judges from across Merseyside reviewed a host of applications and interviewed successful nominees to determine the most deserving winners in each category.

Ellie Senior, Marketing Co-ordinator at Haydock Park won the ‘Outstanding Young Person of the Year' award and Haydock Park's Operations Team won the ‘Team of the Year' category.

The Awards ceremony is the perfect showcase for one of the Borough's most important and dynamic growth sectors in terms of developing the local economy. St.Helens has become a new destination of choice for visitors to the Northwest with an eclectic mix of premier sport, glorious countryside, fascinating heritage, vibrant nightlife and quality events."

The St.Helens Tourism & Leisure Awards are funded by St.Helens Council, the North West Regional Development Agency, The Mersey Partnership, the Merseyside Objective 1 programme and the private sector.

Dickon White, Managing Director of Haydock Park Racecourse congratulated the winners “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ellie and the Operations Team on their success.  This is a great achievement for the racecourse and is a reward for all their efforts.”

The seven-year-old, owned by the Glass Half Full partnership that includes Aintree Racecourse chairman Lord Daresbury, is one of 49 high-class entries, up from 39 in 2009, for the prestigious handicap chase.

Lee revealed today: "The Blue Square Gold Cup is definitely Le Beau Bai's target at the moment - hopefully it will rain enough for him. He is also in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown but he is unlikely to run in that because I see that Money Trix is in there and it doesn't seem terribly sensible to take him on at level weights.

"Haydock is a good, stiff track that should play to Le Beau Bai's strengths and is very much plan A."
Ridden by his usual partner, the smart amateur Oliver Greenall - Lord Daresbury's son - Le Beau Bai finished less than eight lengths behind Dream Alliance (12/1) when sent off favourite for the Welsh National at Chepstow on December 28, and could line up for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in April after running at Haydock Park.

Lee continued: "We were absolutely thrilled with him in the Welsh National because he's only a pony, he's tiny and I thought he ran a tremendous race.

"Lord Daresbury is very keen for Le Beau Bai to be entered in this year's John Smith's Grand National. The horse is very short on experience but he is the sort that would jump around there. For all he is only little, he is very careful and clever as a cat.

"Oliver would ride him as he gets on very well with the horse. His father has horses in the yard but I use him because he is a very good rider. He is a great horseman and I am lucky to have him."

Big race veteran Our Vic (20/1) won the Grade Two Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on January 23, and is one of three horses entered by trainer David Pipe. The others are his fellow David Johnson-owned horses The Package (10/1) and Comply Or Die (20/1), winner of the 2008 John Smith's Grand National.

The Blue Square Gold Cup could see another John Smith's Grand National hero in the field as Venetia Williams has engaged last year's winner, Mon Mome (20/1), alongside Miko de Beauchene (10/1), successful in the 2008 renewal of the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup, as well as that season's Welsh National.

Philip Hobbs has entered this season's Welsh National victor Dream Alliance, while another winner of that Chepstow contest also engaged at Haydock is the Alan King-trained Halcon Genelardais (16/1), successful in 2006. The Lucinda Russell-trained Silver By Nature was runner-up in this season's renewal and currently heads the market with Blue Square at 8/1.

Hello Bud (20/1) landed the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has also entered Beat The Boys (20/1), Ballyfitz (16/1), Irish Raptor (25/1) and Knowhere (25/1).

The Nicky Henderson-trained Trabolgan (12/1) won the Grade One RSA Chase at The Festival in 2005, while the Martin Todhunter-trained Star De Mohaison (25/1) won that same contest in 2006, when in the care of champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Nicholls has engaged Nozic (20/1) and Tricky Trickster (10/1), winner of last season's National Hunt Chase at The Festival and currently at the head of the market for the John Smith's Grand National.

The Donald McCain-trained Cloudy Lane (16/1) has notched five successes at Haydock, including the Grade Two Peter Marsh Chase in 2009, while Air Force One (25/1), trained by Charlie Mann, has plenty of talent and is being aimed at the John Smith's Grand National.

Character Building (14/1) won the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival for trainer John Quinn, while the Ferdy Murphy-trained New Alco (25/1) was runner-up in the Grade

Three William Hill Trophy at the 2008 Festival and the Jeremy Scott-trained Gone To Lunch (16/1) filled the same berth in the Grade Three Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April.

There are eight Irish-trained entries, headed by a quartet from the Willie Mullins yard. The trainer has engaged Troytown Handicap Chase winner Beroni (14/1), Ballytrim (20/1), Arbor Supreme (20/1) and Pomme Tiepy (20/1). Noel Meade has engaged Grade Two winner Parsons Pistol (20/1), while Tony Martin has entered Newbay Prop (20/1), Hold The Pin (14/1) and Lochan Lacha (25/1). 

Others of note include Cappa Bleu (14/1), Snoopy Loopy (40/1), Companero (14/1), Belon Gale (16/1), Abbeybraney (12/1), Chief Dan George (20/1), According To Pete (16/1) and last season's Blue Square Gold Cup runner-up Coe (14/1).

Weights for the Blue Square Gold Cup will be released on Wednesday, February 3. The maximum number of runners for the Grade Three contest is 20, with two reserves.

The excellent seven-race card at Haydock Park on February 20, also features the £45,000 Grade Two Joseph Heler Cheese Hurdle (2.20pm) over three miles and a furlong, and the £30,000 Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2.55pm) over the same distance.

Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, commented: "The entries for the Blue Square Gold Cup this year are very strong.

"To have two Grand National winners and several proven Haydock Park performers among the entries is very pleasing while we are also delighted to have received such a strong entry from Ireland."

Opening prices from Blue Square:
8/1 Silver By Nature, 10/1 Miko De Beauchene, 10/1 The Package, 10/1 Tricky Trickster, 12/1 Abbeybraney, 12/1 Dream Alliance, 12/1 Le Beau Bai, 12/1 Trabolgan, 14/1 Beroni, 14/1 Cappa Bleu, 14/1 Character Building, 14/1 Coe, 14/1 Companero, 14/1 Hold The Pin, 16/1 According To John, 16/1 According To Pete, 16/1 Ballyfitz, 16/1 Belon Gale, 16/1 Chiaro, 16/1 Cloudy Lane, 16/1 Gone To Lunch, 16/1 Halcon Genelardais, 16/1 Jass, 16/1 L'Aventure, 20/1 Arbor Supreme, 20/1 Ballytrim, 20/1 Beat The Boys, 20/1 Chief Dan George, 20/1 Comply Or Die, 20/1 Hello Bud, 20/1 Kornati Kid, 20/1 Mon Mome, 20/1 Mumbles Head, 20/1 Newbay Prop, 20/1 Nozic, 20/1 Our Vic, 20/1 Parsons Pistol, 20/1 Pomme Tiepy, 25/1 Air Force One, 25/1 Eric's Charm, 25/1 Irish Raptor, 25/1 Knowhere, 25/1 Lochan Lacha, 25/1 New Alco, 25/1 Oscar Park, 25/1 Out The Black, 25/1 Sherwoods Folly, 25/1 Star De Mohaison, 40/1 Snoopy Loopy
Each-way 1/4 - 1,2,3,4
All quoted

For further information please contact Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, on 01942 725963 or 07798 928924 or e-mail: dickon.white@jockeyclubracecourses.com

Women are being urged to enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life and share amazing moments as they become part of the biggest female-only team in the UK.

A team of ladies and Harriet the horse from Haydock Park Racecourse are encouraging them to recruit their friends, family and colleagues now that entry to the Haydock Park event is officially open.

Race for Life is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event series where all the money raised goes to fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.

This year Race for Life Haydock Park takes place on Sunday 25th July  at 11.00am at Haydock Park Racecourse.

 2010 will be the first year that Race for Life is taking place at Haydock Park Racecourse. 

Dickon White Managing Director of Haydock Park commented "We are very much looking forward to welcoming Race for Life to Haydock Park Racecourse in summer 2010.  We are delighted to be able to work with Cancer Research UK and play our part in supporting their life-saving work"

In 2010, organisers are encouraging 2000 women to put their best feet forward and raise £97,580.

Race for Life 2010 is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone as women of all ages and fitness abilities join together to walk, jog or run 5k to help beat cancer.

All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group.

Every day, around 96 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. Race for Life started in 1994. At the time, many people diagnosed with cancer did not survive.  But over the last 16 years, money generated by Race for Life has supported Cancer Research UK's work and now the overall death rate for the disease has dropped by 15 per cent.

Hannah Thomas, Cancer Research UK's North West Event Manager, said: "This year Cancer Research UK's Race for Life is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone - from lining up at the start, side-by-side with thousands of other women, to reading the inspirational 'back-signs' worn by participants to the fantastic sense of achievement from crossing the finish line."

She added: "Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes take part take part in Race for Life. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k course.  Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful atmosphere at the event."

Haydock Park participants will be part of a total of 700,000 women taking part in over 230 events across the UK between May and July.  Cancer Research UK hopes that together they will raise a total of £60 million to fund the charity's life saving work.

Hannah Thomas continued: "One-in-three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives.  But the good news is that more people are beating the disease than ever before.  Cancer Research UK's work is at the heart of that progress. By helping to raise money through Race for Life, our supporters are turning hope into reality."

Cancer Research UK supports the work of scientists, doctors and nurses who are dedicated to curing cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to prevent, diagnose and treat it.

Cancer Research UK spent over £19.5 million in the North West last year on a wide range of research into children's and adult cancers.  Much of this funding goes towards the pioneering work of the doctors and scientists at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research.

Women can enter Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 1111.

For press enquiries please contact Hannah Thomas, Area Event Manager, on 07918 720 638. Hannah.thomas@cancer.org.uk

About Race for Life

• Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2010 is the UK's largest women only fundraising series where thousands of women all round the UK come together to share amazing moments and simply walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.

• Entry fee is £12.99 to cover organisational and administration costs of the series.

• There are over 230 Race for Life events around the UK from May to the end of July.

• Cancer Research UK hopes that over 700,000 women will come together to raise over £60 million to fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.

• Race for Life started in 1994 and is celebrating its 16th birthday this year. The first event took place at Battersea Park with 680 participants.

• Since Race for Life began in 1994, an incredible 4.7 million participants across the UK raised over £327 million to fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.

• Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2010 is supported by the following Official Partners, Tesco, NIVEA, Diamond car insurance and Go-Ahead.

About Cancer Research UK

• Cancer Research UK is the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.
• The charity's groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.  This work is funded entirely by the public.
• Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last thirty years.
• Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses.
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

As jump racing gets going again in Britain following the big freeze, Haydock Park is preparing for the classiest sport of the year so far on Saturday (23 JANUARY).

The popular ‘Peter Marsh Chase day' offers more than £200,000 in prize-money and is an occasion that attracts the keenest followers of racing.

And Grand National hero Mon Mome could be heading to Haydock for the feature race – the Peter Marsh Chase which is worth £70,000 alone in prize-money.

Trainer David Pipe may run the veteran Our Vic or Tamarinbleu, while Cheshire's Donald McCain could send Will Be Done for the three-mile race.

The sportingbet.com Champion Hurdle Trial has been re-opened for entries which will include the current Champion Hurdler Punjabi.

An array of veteran steeplechasers will come out for the Tim Molony Chase over three and a half miles.  Included in the entries are 2008 Midlands Grand National winner Himalayan Trail as well as the popular Bob Bob Bobbin.

The afternoon rounds off at 4pm with a race over Haydock Park's “fixed brush” hurdles.

Dickon White, Haydock Park Racecourse's managing director, said: “Peter Marsh Chase day is always one of the highlights of the jump racing season.  Once again, we look certain to attract some of the most talked about horses in the sport, making for a superb attraction for all our visitors.

“Jump racing fans have been starved of a lot of racing because of the recent freezing weather so Haydock Park will warm them up this Saturday.

“Admission starts at just £8.  Accompanied children aged 17 and under are given free admission, while senior citizens and students can enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.”

First race time is 1.10pm.

*Admission: Newton Enclosure £8; Tattersalls £15; County Enclosure £23; Premier Enclosure £34.  Accompanied children under 16 enter free.   Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.  More details about racing at Haydock Park are available on web site www.haydock-park.co.uk

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

Until now, the racecourse – in common with the majority in Britain – admitted accompanied under 16s without charge. The age has now been lifted to all those ‘17 and under'.  No one will pay until they become an adult.

Dickon White, the racecourse's managing director, said: “We're endeavouring as a racecourse and as a sport to attract as many young people as possible. “With that in mind, the first logical step was to raise our free admission policy to ALL children.  “It is one of the great selling points of horse racing that youngsters are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.  That's just got better.”

The new policy comes into effect at this Saturday's fixture (23 JANUARY) – the opening meeting of 2010 at Haydock Park.

Admission for adults starts at £8 – and senior citizens and students can enter the Tattersalls and Newton Enclosure Enclosures at half price.

The first race time is 1.10pm.
*Admission: Newton Enclosure £8; Tattersalls £15; County Enclosure £23; Premier Enclosure £34.  Accompanied children aged 17 and under enter free.   Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.  More details about racing at Haydock Park are available on web site www.haydock-park.co.uk.

For further information, please contact:  Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

Trainer Peter Bowen is optimistic that Souffleur can provide his handler with a change of luck in the £100,000 Listed Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (2.20pm), one of the highlights of a superb seven-race card at Haydock Park on Saturday, November 21.

The Pembrokeshire-based handler sent out Irish Wolf to be a close second in the three mile, one furlong contest in 2006, and saw his Special Envoy fall at the final flight with the race at his mercy the following year, handing victory to Millenium Royal.

Last year, Souffleur found only According To Pete nine lengths too strong when burdened with top-weight. The six-year-old, successful in the Grade One Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury in December, 2007, missed the rest of last season with a leg injury but is reported to be in fine shape by his handler.

Bowen reported today: "Souffleur is on course for the Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle. He came back with some heat in his leg after he ran in the race last year so we felt that he could do with some time off. He needed three or four months off and the season would have been over by the time we got him back so we decided to wait until this term.
"He is in very good form at the moment and I think that he is getting back to his best. He should get soft ground at Haydock and he ran a blinder in last year's race - especially considering that he came back with the heat in his leg and he was giving weight all round.
"I am hoping that he can become a leading candidate for some of the top staying hurdles this season. He is going to Haydock in great shape and I am hopeful that he can run well.
"I know that we haven't had the best of luck in the race in recent years, with Irish Wolf getting pipped on the line by Halcon Genelardais and Special Envoy falling, but the victory of Snoopy Loopy in the Betfair Chase more than made up for those disappointments."

Souffleur may be joined in the Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle by the progressive Time For Rupert, from the stable of Paul Webber. The progressive five-year-old comfortably landed novice hurdles at Catterick and Huntingdon last season before gamely fighting off Inchidaly Rock to triumph in the Listed totepool Handicap Hurdle at Aintree's John Smith's Grand National meeting in April. Webber revealed: "We have given Time For Rupert the option of the Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle and it depends on the going. It is a bit of a worry running him on heavy ground on his seasonal return, especially over three miles and a furlong under a large weight.
"He also has the option of going to Ascot for the Grade Two hurdle there, which looks like it will be a hot race. He will run somewhere and the more sensible competition will be at Haydock, but I just don't want to bottom him on heavy ground - he's a possible runner rather than a probable runner at the moment.
"He has done fantastically over the summer - physically he has improved tremendously and he is much stronger. He is fitter now then he was on his first start of last season but he is facing stronger competition this time round.
"He's only five and the plan is to keep him over hurdles this term. It looks like there is going to be a tremendous bunch of novice chasers this season and we thought that it might be wiser to keep him over the smaller obstacles.
"We are very pleased with him indeed and we are keen to get him to a racecourse this weekend."

A top-quality entry of 28 for the Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle also includes Diamond Harry, who took last season's Challow Novices' Hurdle prior to coming third in the Grade One Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, as well as Cheltenham Festival winners No Refuge, Naiad Du Misselot, Oscar Park and Kayf Aramis.

Other notable contenders include last season's John Smith's Grand National fourth State Of Play, Grade Two runners-up Ring The Boss and Wendel, and the progressive Charity Lane.

Saturday's card also features the £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase (3.00pm), for which 13 horses were confirmed yesterday headed by dual winner Kauto Star, Irish Grade One scorer Notre Pere, dual Grade Two victor Madison Du Berlais and Imperial Commander, successful in the Grade One Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season.

The second day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 22, features two races over the formidable National fences. The three and a quarter-mile £100,000 Listed totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase (1.45pm) is a leading trial for the John Smith's Grand National, with both Amberleigh House and Silver Birch having triumphed in both races in recent years.
Plenty of John Smith's Grand National clues are also set to be revealed in the £70,000 totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (12.35pm), which is run over an extended two miles and five furlongs of the National course and is an open handicap for the second time this year.

Peter Bowen is no stranger to success over the unique obstacles, having sent out Dunbrody Millar to win the 2007 John Smith's Topham Chase, and the trainer is keen to see how Valley Ride and Always Waining fare over the world famous fences.
Valley Ride landed a Listed handicap chase at Market Rasen on his first appearance for Bowen at the end of September before coming home 11th in a similar contest at Wincanton on November 7.
Always Waining was seventh behind his stable-companion at Market Rasen, having triumphed in the same race 12 months earlier. The eight-year-old gained valuable experience over the National fences when coming fourth in last season's John Smith's Topham Chase but struggled on his latest start to be 13th in a Listed Handicap Chase at Ascot on October 31.
Bowen commented: "Valley Ride has been given an entry in both the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase and the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase and he will run in one or the other.
"I felt that he travelled a bit too well at Wincanton and just failed to get the trip. Up until then, I had thought that he would stay three miles easily but he had never travelled so well in his races for his previous connections.
"So he could run over the shorter trip of the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, but we really want to get him over the National fences to see how he adapts to them.
"Always Waining will also be running over the National fences this weekend and we will decide nearer the time which race to go for. He had a little bit of a blip last time out at Ascot but I think that it was a fact that Sam Thomas didn't know the horse too well.
"Soft ground wouldn't be the ideal situation for him but he has jumped well over the fences before, which is always a big plus."

About the Northwest Racing Masters
A superb seven-race card on the first day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Haydock Park on Saturday, November 21, is headed by the Betfair Chase, now in its fifth year and won by the great Kauto Star in 2006 and 2007. Day one also includes the £100,000 Listed Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle and the £50,000 Tune Into Timeform Radio Hurdle.

The second day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 22, features two excellent contests over the world-famous Grand National course among six races, the totesport.com Becher Chase and the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Chase.

Tickets for both days can be booked online at www.aintree.co.uk and www.haydock-park.co.uk

The Northwest Racing Masters, from the first running in 2005, has established itself as an event, giving racegoers the opportunity of experiencing two different historic courses within a short journey of each other. Haydock Park is between Manchester and Liverpool, close to St Helens, Wigan and Warrington. Aintree is on the northern edge of Liverpool.

The two racecourses are easily accessible by motorway, with Haydock Pak within a mile of the M6 off junction 23 and Aintree close to the end of both the M57 and M58. Both courses boast superb facilities and are ideal for a day out. The whole family can come, with accompanied children aged 16 and under admitted FREE OF CHARGE.

Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy what the region has to offer….
http://www.visitsthelens.com/
http://www.visitsouthport.com/
http://www.visitliverpool.com/

For further information on the Northwest Racing Masters, please contact:
Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, on 01942 725963 or 07798 928924 or e-mail: dickon.white@jockeyclubracecourses.com
Emma Owen, Marketing & PR Manager at Aintree, on 0151 522 2906 or 07917 266511 or e-mail: emma.owen@jockeyclubracecourses.com

The eight-year-old made a successful raid over the Irish Sea last December when storming to victory in the Grade Three Welsh National at Chepstow, and ended the campaign with a brilliant display of jumping to take the Grade One Punchestown Gold Cup in stunning fashion.

He was sent off a warm order for his seasonal return on his favoured soft ground in the Grade One Down Royal Champion Chase on November 7, but a rare error saw him depart five fences from home.

Kilsallaghan-based Dreaper revealed: “Notre Pere is a possible runner for the Betfair Chase as things stand. He came out his fall at Down Royal fine and it was just one of those things that can happen in racing.

“We will do a more serious schooling session on Tuesday - his jumping seems to be fine - and we will delay a final decision until after that. At the moment, there is a good chance that he will come over to Haydock Park, especially if the ground is soft. 

“I wouldn't be concerned about taking on Kauto Star - we need to get Notre Pere running after that blip the other day. We could wait until the Hennessy, which is always a very competitive race, but we are inclined to go for the first race that is available to him.”

This year's renewal of the Betfair Chase looks set to be another top-class affair, with the outstanding chaser of recent years, Kauto Star, bidding for a third victory in the race to go with his two Cheltenham Gold Cups and three King George VI Chases.

Apart from Notre Pere, the Paul Nicholls-trained chaser is set to take on last season's Grade One Ryanair Chase victor Imperial Commander, from the in-form stable of Nigel Twiston-Davies. The Nicky Henderson-trained Barbers Shop may make his seasonal return at Haydock after coming seventh behind Kauto Star in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup, while Albertas Run, Madison Du Berlais and Nacarat may also line up in the three-mile contest.

About the Northwest Racing Masters
       
A superb seven-race card on the first day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Haydock Park on Saturday, November 21 is headed by the Betfair Chase, now in its fifth year and won by the great Kauto Star in 2006 and 2007. Day one also includes the £100,000 Listed Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle and the £50,000 Tune Into Timeform Radio Hurdle.

The second day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 22, features two excellent contests over the world-famous Grand National course among six races, the totesport.com Becher Chase and the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Chase.

Tickets for both days can be booked online at www.aintree.co.uk and www.haydock-park.co.uk

The Northwest Racing Masters, from the first running in 2005, has established itself as an event, giving racegoers the opportunity of experiencing two different historic courses within a short journey of each other.  Haydock Park is between Manchester and Liverpool, close to St Helens, Wigan and Warrington. Aintree is on the northern edge of Liverpool.

The two racecourses are easily accessible by motorway, with Haydock Pak within a mile of the M6 off junction 23 and Aintree close to the end of both the M57 and M58. Both courses boast superb facilities and are ideal for a day out. The whole family can come, with accompanied children aged 16 and under admitted FREE OF CHARGE.

Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy what the region has to offer….

http://www.visitsthelens.com/
http://www.visitsouthport.com/
http://www.visitliverpool.com/
                                           
For further information on the Northwest Racing Masters, please contact:
Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, on 01942 725963 or 07798 928924 or e-mail: dickon.white@jockeyclubracecourses.com
Emma Owen, Marketing & PR Manager at Aintree, on 0151 522 2906 or 07917 266511 or e-mail: emma.owen@jockeyclubracecourses.com

Next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, 2009, marks the fifth Northwest Racing Masters which sees thrilling top-class horseracing at two of Britain's best racecourses, Haydock Park and Aintree.

The Northwest Racing Masters, from the first running in 2005, has established itself as a tremendous event, giving racegoers the opportunity of experiencing two different historic courses within a short journey of each other - Haydock Park, between Manchester and Liverpool and close to St Helens, Wigan and Warrington, and Aintree on the northern edge of Liverpool and not far from Southport. The racing is superb over the two days, with Haydock Park staging the £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase as the highlight of a brilliant seven-race card on the first day of the Northwest Racing Masters and Aintree holding two excellent contests over the world-famous Grand National course among six races on day two, the £100,000 totesport.com Becher Chase and the £70,000 totesuper7 Grand Sefton Chase.

This year's renewal of the Betfair Chase is going to be a cracker. The outstanding chaser of recent years, Kauto Star, is due to bid for a third victory in the race and the expectation is that Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old can make amends after falling at the final fence last season. Kauto Star has won two Cheltenham Gold Cups. His main rivals for the three-mile chase are set to include last season's Grade One Ryanair Chase victor Imperial Commander, from the in-form stable of Nigel Twiston-Davies, and the Nicky Henderson-trained Barbers Shop who may also make his seasonal return at Haydock after coming seventh behind Kauto Star in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

David Pipe was narrowly denied 12 months ago when Tamarinbleu was collared near the line by Snoopy Loopy and the Pond House handler will this year be represented by Madison Du Berlais, who notched big-race victories last term in Newbury's Hennessy Gold Cup, the Levy Board Chase at Kempton and the totesport Bowl at Aintree in April. Nacarat made an eye-catching debut in Grade One company when coming third in the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree in April and trainer Tom George is expecting his stable star to improve significantly on his seasonal return, when he could only finish eighth in the Grade Two Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter at the start of November. The Donald McCain-trained Cloudy Lane has won on five of his eight starts at Haydock Park, including when taking the Grade Two Peter Marsh Chase in January, while a return to the course is also on the cards for Rambling Minster, who landed the Grade Three Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock before being pulled up when well fancied for last season's John Smith's Grand National. 

Day two of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 22, features the £100,000 Listed totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase, which give horses the chance to test their John Smith's Grand National credentials over the Grand National fences. Last year, Black Apalachi revelled on the heavy ground to score a convincing victory over the 2007 winner Mr Pointment and the Dessie Hughes-trained chaser was leading the John Smith's Grand National prior to unseating Denis O'Regan at Becher's Brook in the second circuit.  Hughes is set to bid for a second successive victory in the totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase with his smart performer Vic Venturi, who was placed in Grade One company as a novice chaser and comfortably won a Clonmel chase on his seasonal return at the end of October.
Another potential Irish challenger is the Charlie Swan-trained Offshore Account, who landed a Grade One novice chase at the 2007 Punchestown Festival and came 15th in last season's John Smith's Grand National.  Nigel Twiston-Davies, the only current handler to have won the John Smith's Grand National on two occasions, could be represented by last year's John Smith's Topham Chase victor Irish Raptor and Hello Bud, who won theScottish Grand National at Ayr in April. Other likely runners include yesterday's second The Sawyer, who took a Grade Three handicap chase last season for trainer Bob Buckler, and the Charlie Longsdon-trained Palypso De Creek, a Grade Three winner over Auteuil's fences for former handler Jehan Bertran de Balanda.

The two racecourses are easily accessible by motorway, with Haydock Pak within a mile of the M6 off junction 23 and Aintree close to the end of both the M57 and M58. Both courses boast superb facilities and are ideal for a day out. The whole family can come, with accompanied children aged 16 and under admitted FREE OF CHARGE.

Entrance on the day at Haydock Park costs £45 (Premier Enclosure), £34 (County Enclosure), £20 (Tattersalls Enclosure) and £11 (Newton Enclosure), while Aintree has one enclosure at £19.
Aintree's raceday has one of the warmest, friendliest family atmospheres with Christmas activities marking the start of a very special season - there will be a visit from Santa and his real reindeer.
Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, said: "The Northwest Racing Masters is now in its fifth year and has firmly established its place in the racing calendar. With its two-day format at Haydock Park on the Saturday and Aintree on the Sunday, it has grown into a mini festival with a significant impact on the local economy in terms of hotel bookings as well as spending in restaurants and other entertainment facilities in the local area.

"We could not have asked for racing of a higher standard in the last four years, with Kauto Star's two Betfair Chase victories standing out. This year is all set to be another fabulous two days of the finest jump racing to be found anywhere and it will be an enthralling spectacle when Kauto Star returns to Haydock Park to attempt a third Betfair Chase victory. Our thanks go to Betfair for their continued sponsorship, while we are also grateful of the significant support of the local authority in their promotion of the Northwest Racing Masters."

Betfair's Head Of Media Tony Calvin commented: "This is our fifth year of the Betfair Chase and it has continued to attract the top-class horses from reigning Gold Cup winner Kicking King in 2005 to the imperious Kauto Star in recent seasons.

"Everyone is focusing on Kauto Star going for a third Gold Cup this year and a fourth King George, but he has also won the small matter of two Betfair Chases, the only other Grade One staying chase in the UK racing calendar. Let's hope he can make it three wins this year. In fact, it could have been the four-timer had he not stumbled and unseated his rider last year - I seem to recall that he was trading at 1-10 in running on Betfair at the time."

Emma Owen, Marketing & PR Manager at Aintree, remarked: "Day two of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree features two races over the Grand National fences, including the totesport.com Becher Chase which has proved to be a significant pointer to the John Smith's Grand National itself since its inception in 1992.

"Our thanks go to the tote for sponsoring that race again and the other contest over the Grand National fences, the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase.

"The day also offers fun and activities for all members of the family, while the start of the festive season ensures a tremendous atmosphere complete with Santa and his reindeer!"

George Primarolo of the tote said: "The Northwest Racing Masters has established itself as one of the main festivals in the National Hunt calendar and the racing at both Haydock and Aintree is nothing short of top-class.

"We are proud to have sponsored the totesport.com Becher Chase since 1998 and in that time the race has grown both in stature and in value. It has also become one of the most important Grand National trials of the year with two winners of the race having gone on to win the big one in April in the shape of Amberleigh House and Silver Birch."

For further information on the Northwest Racing Masters, please contact:
Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, on 01942 725963 or 07798 928924 or e-mail:
dickon.white@jockeyclubracecourses.com
Emma Owen, Marketing & PR Manager at Aintree, on 0151 522 2906 or 07917 266511 or e-mail:
emma.owen@jockeyclubracecourses.com

 THE SAWYER AIMING FOR TOTESPORT.COM BECHER GLORY AT AINTREE

 This year's £200,000 Grade One Betfair Chase could meet with the royal seal of approval with the Queen's Barbers Shop under consideration for the prestigious three-mile contest, highlight of racing at Haydock Park on Day One of the Northwest Racing Masters, Saturday, November 21.

The seven-year-old chaser was second to subsequent Ryanair Chase winner Imperial Commander on his seasonal return last year in the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November before going on to a facile victory in a Listed Intermediate Chase at Sandown the following month.

He ended his campaign with a respectable seventh behind Kauto Star on his first appearance in Grade One company in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Sir Michael Oswald, racing manager for The Queen's Jump horses, reported: “We will certainly think about giving Barbers Shop an entry in the Betfair Chase. He has also been entered in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Hennessy but, realistically, he might be too highly rated to run in handicap company. He would be giving lumps of weight away and it could be wiser to go for more open races like the Betfair Chase.

“From what he has done so far in his career, you wouldn't see him threatening the likes of Kauto Star. I was worried about running him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year because there have been so many horses who experience a tough race at Cheltenham and never come back.

“But he didn't really get involved in a hard finish - he ran well and jumped the course beautifully - and Barry (Geraghty) said that he wasn't quite strong enough yet. He's only seven and I would hope that, by getting a little bit stronger, he would be that much better.

“He has got an awful lot of promise over fences and it is just a question of how much improvement has come from a summer of strengthening up. Everything looks good at the moment - he is moving good, working well - but it's hard to tell how good he is unless we test the water against the very top chasers.

“I think that the best plan is to enter him for all of the top races, see how they look, and then eventually we will have to go for one. We will have to bite the bullet at some point and see how good he is.”

This year's Betfair Chase looks set to be another top-quality renewal, with the likes of Kauto Star, successful in the 2006 & 2007 Betfair Chase, Imperial Commander, Nacarat and last year's winner Snoopy Loopy all set to meet at Haydock Park. A superb seven-race card also includes the £100,000 Listed Timeform Betfair Racing Club "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle and the £50,000 Tune Into Timeform Radio Hurdle. 

Entries for the Betfair Chase close next Tuesday, November 3.

The second day of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 22, features the £100,000 Listed totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase, which gives horses the chance to race over the Grand National Course.

Somerset trainer Bob Buckler sees the three and a quarter-mile contest as the ideal opportunity for The Sawyer to stake his claim for the John Smith's Grand National.  The nine-year-old landed a Grade Three handicap chase at Cheltenham in January before falling at the last when lying sixth on his debut over the formidable National fences in the John Smith's Topham Chase on April 3, 

He went on to post two solid efforts in the space of three days at the Punchestown Festival, including when taking second behind J'y Vole in a two and a half mile handicap chase.

Buckler revealed: “The Sawyer would need to be a bit higher in the handicap to be guaranteed a run in the John Smith's Grand National and the totesport.com Becher Chase could be on the agenda for him.

“He's a big, burly horse and I might just be a bit too easy on him at home - He actually looked half-fit having run twice at the Punchestown Festival!

“He was still going well when he fell in the last in the John Smith's Topham Chase and it was just one of those silly mistakes. He might have been getting a bit tired but he seemed to take to the fences there and I would like to see him go over them again.”

Aintree's six race card also includes the £70,000 totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, run over two miles and five furlongs of the Grand National Course, as well as the £30,000 Best Odds Guaranteed At totesport.com Handicap Hurdle.