The flat horse racing season at Haydock Park Racecourse is set to begin on April 26th, 2025, promising an exciting day of sport and family fun. This marks the return of the summer flat fixtures at the historic Merseyside venue, known for combining top-class racing with excellent hospitality. The day will offer racegoers a well-rounded experience with high-stakes racing, vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of activities for families and fans alike.
Gates at Haydock Park will open at 11:25 AM, giving visitors time to explore the enclosures, enjoy food and beverages, and settle in before the racing begins. The first race is scheduled to start at 1:30 PM, and the final race of the day will go off at 4:55 PM. With seven exciting races on the card, the afternoon is set to deliver thrilling action from start to finish. Haydock Park continues to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, with free entry available for children under 18, provided they are accompanied by an adult and have a zero-value child’s ticket.
The opening race of the season will be the Darley EBF Novice Stakes, run over a distance of one mile and three furlongs. As the first race of the day, it will set the stage for what is expected to be an adrenaline-filled afternoon. The excitement will carry over into the next contest at 2:00 PM—a Handicap Stakes covering one mile and two furlongs. This race will test the endurance and strategy of both horses and jockeys, drawing cheers from the grandstands as the competition heats up.
At 2:40 PM, the action continues with another Handicap Stakes, this time over a sprint distance of six furlongs. The shorter distance means this race will be fast-paced and packed with intensity. By mid-afternoon, the Read Richard Hannon Weekly Blog Handicap Stakes will take center stage. Scheduled for 3:15 PM and run over six furlongs and 212 yards, this race adds a touch of complexity and flair to the day’s lineup.
The fifth race on the card is the More Extra Place Races Handicap Stakes, set to begin at 3:50 PM and covering six furlongs. With many contenders and high expectations, this race is anticipated to draw strong betting interest and deliver a closely fought finish. The penultimate race of the day, the Fillies Novice Stakes at 4:25 PM, features emerging talent and will be run over a longer distance of seven furlongs and 212 yards, making it the first race of the day to test stamina and long-distance pace.
The racing day concludes with a final Handicap Stakes at 4:55 PM, also run over seven furlongs and 212 yards. This closing race promises a grand finish to a thrilling day, bringing together the crowd one last time under the evening sky to witness a dramatic and memorable end to the season opener.
The season’s opening fixture at Haydock Park is more than just a day at the races—it’s a celebration of the return of flat racing. With three enclosures offering varied views and experiences, a welcoming family policy, and a full card of competitive races, the event on April 26 is expected to draw large crowds and deliver an unforgettable start to the 2025 flat racing season.
