The beautiful HAYDOCK PARK RACECOURSE in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside hosted a spirited seven-race card on 26th September, from 2:15 pm to 5:40 pm, as part of its Summer Season Finale. The card included some Class 3 contests and competitive handicaps that lifted the standard. With good-to-soft going, runners had to combine speed with stamina, making every finish feel earned.
Race 1: Racing To School Training Series Apprentice Handicap (Haydock Training Race) (Part Of The RE Series) (2:15pm, 1m2f42yds)
The afternoon opened with a confident display from COTSWOLD COTTAGE, who took the lead and crossed the line in 2m 15.21s. Jockey TYRESE CAMERON rode with poise, trainer FAYE BRAMLEY brought the form, breeder COLIN ROGERS saw their investment pay off, and owner MISS LUCY KIM BARRY celebrated. LESRICO challenged bravely until the finish, while RIBBLE RIVER held on for a solid third.
Race 2: Lee Thomas Christy Memorial EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (2:50pm, 6f)
Race 2 saw GENTLE GEORGE staying on strongly to win in 1m 12.96s. The ride from jockey ALISTAIR RAWLINSON was composed, trainer, breeder as well as owner MICHAEL APPLEBY who had conditioned the horse well will take pride and savour the moment. MONARCH’S GOLD was in contention till late, and NIGHT MISSION ran on with credit.
Race 3: Thomas Hardie Commercials 40th Year Anniversary Nursery Handicap (3:25pm, 5f)
In the third contest, KOLKATA KNIGHT found just enough extra to cross in 1m 0.08s. Jockey PIERRE-LOUIS JAMIN timed the challenge perfectly, trainer TOM DASCOMBE had laid out a smart plan, breeder BRENDAN WHITE saw pedigree rewarded, and owner MILLENNIAL RACING enjoyed the win. CLEAR FORCE pushed hard in the run-in, while CONCERT stayed on for third.
Race 4: Castle Green Homes EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (4:00pm, 7f)
Race 4 produced a display of grit from GAURDMAN, who finished in 1m 31.48s. Jockey SILVESTRE DE SOUSA kept the horse balanced under pressure, trainer ROGER VARIAN had done the homework, breeder CHURCHTOWN HOUSE STUD & LIAM BUTLER saw the result, and owner VICTORIOUS FOREVER had reason to cheer. CHAIN LINK closed in well, and AERIAL SILK gave a steady effort to take third.
Race 5: By Eck Its Boddingtons Handicap (4:35pm, 7f)
Mid-card, LEGAL REFORM powered home in 1m 29.93s. With jockey JASON HART giving just the right ride, trainer MICHAEL HERRINGTON’s preparation standing up, breeder J S BOLGER happy with the outcome, and owner GB CIVIL ENGINEERING enjoying the payoff, it was a deserved win. FLAG OF ST GEORGE made a strong bid, while KINDEST NATION stayed on to complete the frame.
Race 6: PMJ Capital Property Finance Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (5:10pm, 1m6f)
The sixth race tested stamina, and SING US A SONG showed plenty to come out on top in 3m 10.80s. Jockey DANIEL TUDHOPE kept faith with the horse’s rhythm, trainer RALPH BECKETT’s conditioning showed through, breeder GCE FARM LTD saw the effort pay, and owner WATHNAN RACING had a moment of pride. KLASSLEADER stayed close until late, while GENTLE WARRIOR made sure of third.
Race 7: Racing Handicap (5:40pm, 1m6f)
The final race of the card was a satisfying closer: LETMEBETHEBOSS came through in 3m 9.61s under a sharp ride by jockey LEWIS EDMUNDS. Trainer WILLIAM MUIR & CHRIS GRASSICK had the horse ready, breeder ROCKHART TRADING LTD saw pedigree in action, and owner DAVID FOY ended the day on a high. CORSICAN CAPER kept up pressure, and RED DEREK stayed on gamely for the last placing.
As the sun dipped on this Summer Season Finale at Haydock, the cards were rich with competitive spirit, tight finishes, and worthy winners. The meeting may not have been headline-festival sized, but the quality, colour, and energy made it a reminder that every race can carry meaning—and that’s what leaving the track feeling satisfied is all about.
Read the full Haydock Park Summer Finale 2025 coverage on RaceBuzz.
