Haydock Park is set to host an exciting jump racing card on 14 February 2026, featuring seven competitive races with prize money ranging from £15,000 to £100,000. From promising juvenile hurdles to the prestigious Grand National Trial, the day promises a full program of top-class racing, highlighting staying ability, tactical skill, and precision over fences. Enthusiasts can expect a blend of established talent and emerging stars across a variety of distances and classes, making this a must-watch meeting for jump racing fans.
Race 1 – The Richard Howard 80th Birthday Celebration Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle Race (12:55 pm, 1m 7f 178y, Class 2, 8 runners, £20,000) opens the card. This early-season hurdle for eight promising juveniles celebrates Richard Howard’s 80th birthday and offers a platform for young horses to showcase their jumping ability and stamina over nearly two miles. As these inexperienced hurdlers tackle their first competitive test of the season, jockeys will aim to strike a balance between maintaining pace and ensuring clean jumps, providing an energetic and engaging start to the day. The race also offers trainers an opportunity to assess the potential of their horses for longer-term campaigns in the staying hurdle division.
Following closely is Race 2 – The QED Scaffolding Ltd Handicap Steeple Chase (1:28 pm, 2m 4f 7y, Class 3, 12 runners, £18,500). Twelve runners line up over a challenging mid-distance chase, where accuracy over fences and effective race management are essential. This Class 3 handicap will test the horses’ agility, endurance, and consistency, as well as the riders’ ability to judge the pace across the course. With a competitive field, the race promises a closely fought contest where stamina and technique will determine the outcome. For trainers, it offers an early-season benchmark to identify form and potential for future chases.
The first major feature of the day, Race 3 – The Zyn Rendlesham Hurdle Race (2:05 pm, 3m 126y, Class 1, 6 runners, £60,000), presents a test of stamina and top-class hurdling ability. Six elite horses will tackle the three-mile-plus trip, where consistency, jumping precision, and staying power are paramount. This Class 1 race is likely to highlight some of the best staying hurdlers in action, offering spectators a glimpse of horses capable of competing at the highest level. Trainers and jockeys will be keen to establish form in this early-season contest, making it a compelling race to watch.
Shortly afterward, Race 4 – The Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle Race (2:40 pm, 3m 126y, Class 1, 10 runners, £80,000) takes center stage. This contest offers a platform for emerging talent among novice hurdlers over a demanding three-mile 126-yard trip. Ten promising young horses will compete for the £80,000 purse, and with trainers and jockeys eager to showcase their abilities, the race promises both tactical sophistication and competitive excitement. This Class 1 event often identifies future stars in staying hurdle races, and the blend of youth and potential makes it a key highlight of the afternoon.
Race 5 – The William Hill Half a Mill Grand National Trial Handicap Steeple Chase (3:15 pm, 3m 4f 145y, Class 1, 11 runners, £100,000) is the highlight of the meeting and the highest prize race on the card. Over a demanding three-mile-plus course, 11 accomplished horses will face a true test of stamina, jumping accuracy, and tactical intelligence. Often regarded as a proving ground for potential Grand National contenders, this Class 1 race combines endurance, skill, and strategy in a contest that promises drama from start to finish.
Among the notable runners, Top of The Bill (IRE) is partnered with Toby McCain-Mitchell for trainers Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies and Mr Charlie Walker, while Monbeg Genius (IRE) runs with Jonjo O’Neill Jr. for Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill and Martin Tedham & Wasdell Properties Ltd. Myretown (IRE) rides with Derek Fox for Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore, Wymer & Russell, and Richmond Lake (IRE) is partnered with Brian Hughes for Donald McCain, Hemmings Racing. Other contenders include Deafening Silence (IRE) with Harry Skelton, Git Maker (FR) with Gavin Sheehan, Grand Geste (IRE) with Danny McMenamin, Rivers Corner (GB) with Freddie Gingell, Holokea (IRE) with James Bowen, Grand Albert (IRE) with Sean Bowen, and Neo King (FR) with James Turner.
With a combination of proven performers and rising talent, Race 5 promises an enthralling spectacle, showcasing stamina, jumping precision, and tactical riding at the highest level. Horses and riders alike will need to navigate the challenging fences, maintain consistency over the extended trip, and respond to changing race conditions to emerge victorious, making this the centerpiece of the Haydock Park meeting.
Race 6 – The Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Race (3:50 pm, 3m 126y, Class 2, 16 runners, £25,000) features a large field of 16 runners over a demanding staying hurdle distance. This contest will test both endurance and strategic positioning, with jockeys needing to time their runs carefully and horses requiring sustained stamina to finish strongly. The size of the field ensures unpredictability and competition throughout the trip, creating a tactical and engaging race that promises to captivate the audience until the final hurdle.
The meeting concludes with Race 7 – The Walrus Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (4:30 pm, 2m 6f 78y, Class 3, 7 runners, £15,000). Seven experienced hunters will contest this spirited chase over a slightly shorter trip, providing a fast-paced and competitive finale. The race offers a blend of seasoned talent and precision jumping, making it an exciting conclusion to a day filled with endurance tests, staying hurdles, and feature contests.
The 14 February meeting at Haydock Park offers a full day of jump racing action, combining youthful promise, established talent, and top-level stamina challenges. From the energetic juveniles in Race 1 to the demanding and prestigious Grand National Trial in Race 5, and concluding with the spirited Hunters’ Chase in Race 7, spectators can expect a showcase of precision, strategy, and staying power. With substantial prize money, competitive fields, and a range of distances and classes, this meeting promises to highlight some of the finest jump racing talent in the country and deliver an exciting and memorable experience for all who attend.
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