Friday, 5 September 2025, marks the second day of the Sprint Cup Celebration at Haydock Park, as the track hosts Racing Welfare Day, an afternoon designed to combine competitive flat racing with community spirit. With The Sprint Cup looming on Saturday, Friday’s programme offers its own drama and quality, ensuring racegoers will be treated to a vibrant card.
The gates open at 11:30, with the first race scheduled for 1:32 and the finale at 5:27. The day promises a lively atmosphere both on and off the track, with Racing Welfare, a charity supporting racing’s workforce at the heart of the celebrations.
Racing gets underway at 1:32 pm with The Training Series Apprentice Handicap Stakes over 1m 6f. This contest provides a valuable platform for apprentice jockeys to showcase their progress in competitive company, a fitting nod to the development of talent in the sport.
The second race at 2:07 pm, The Best Odds on The Exchange EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes, features emerging fillies tackling nearly 5 furlong. This novice event often throws up future stars, making it one of the most intriguing contests of the day for pedigree watchers.
Speed takes centre stage at 2:42 pm and 3:15 pm with The Arete Foundation Handicap Stakes, split into two divisions over 5f. These sprints promise plenty of action, with fields likely to be stacked with sprinters searching for momentum ahead of the season’s final weeks. The feature novice of the afternoon comes at 3:50 pm with The Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes over 6f. With significant prize money and connections keen to test their progressive fillies at this level, the race carries prestige and could be a stepping stone to bigger autumn targets.
Attention stays with the fillies at 4:20 pm for The M Group NW Fillies’ Handicap Stakes over 6f 212y. Competitive handicaps at Haydock often produce thrilling finishes, and this one is expected to be no different as seasoned fillies meet younger improvers. At 4:55 pm, The Oakmere Homes Handicap Stakes, also run over 6f 212y, brings together sprinters from mixed profiles, ensuring another fascinating clash. As horses battle for position down the long Haydock straight, expect a closely fought finish.
The finale at 5:27 pm is The Exchange Handicap Stakes over 1m 3f 140y. This staying handicap promises a tactical test, with jockeys needing to judge the pace perfectly in the closing stages of the day. Beyond the track, visitors can enjoy Haydock Park’s extensive food and drink facilities. From traditional fish and chips in the Be Friendly Enclosure to champagne at the exclusive bars, racegoers are well catered for throughout the afternoon. A responsible drinking policy is in place, ensuring the day retains its welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.
Racing Welfare Day is more than just about horses and racing, it is about recognising the people who underpin the sport. From stable staff to support teams, the event highlights the collective effort that makes British racing thrive. Combined with an engaging race card, it offers fans an afternoon that blends top-class action with community purpose. Haydock Park itself provides a unique backdrop for the day. Set within woodlands between Manchester and Liverpool, the racecourse has been a cornerstone of northern racing since the 18th century. Today, it hosts 32 fixtures annually under the stewardship of The Jockey Club, and the Sprint Cup Celebration remains one of its most prestigious events.
As the crowd builds towards Saturday’s Sprint Cup, Racing Welfare Day ensures Friday will be far more than a warm-up. With competitive racing, strong fields, and a cause that resonates across the industry, it promises to be a highlight in its own right.
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Discover fixtures, ticket info, and more at The Jockey Club’s official Haydock Park page.
