Haydock Park’s highlight event is the Old Newton Cup. Held this year from July 6-8, the race is the feature event in a three-day festival.
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the United Kingdom. British fans love to attend horse racing events, especially those near them. In the Manchester area, that means Haydock Park, located in Merseyside, North West England. The course has a long tradition dating back to 1836 when race mare Queen of Trumps won the inaugural race. Today, Haydock Park Racecourse’s highlight horse racing event is July’s Old Newton Cup. Horses four years old and up race in a distance of one mile, three furlongs, and 175 yards.
History
Haydock Park Racecourse’s current structure was built in 1899. It’s the remaining link to the old racecourse in Newton Common, where horse races were held from 1678 to 1899. The circuit is a mostly flat, left-handed oval of one mile and five furlongs. The chute or extension allows sprints up to six furlongs.
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The Old Newton Cup dates back to 1966. Ballywit, an aged four horse, won the race with a time of 2:30.60, ridden by jockey D W Morris. The horse was trained by Arthur Budgett, one of only two people who trained, owned, and bred two English Derby winners.
The best time ever run in the race was lodged in 1987 when Pipsted won at 2:26.14. Private Walk and Glide Path are record-holders, too–the only horses to have won the Old Newton Cup twice–Private Walk in 1972 and 1973, and Glide Path in 1993 and 1994. Other outstanding horses to have won the Cup include Collier Hill, Dangerous Midge, Dylan Mouth, and Alkaased. Collier Hill, sired by 1992 Epsom Derby winner Dr. Devious, won in 2003. In 2010, Dangerous Midge won the Breeder’s Cup Turf after winning Old Newton Cup.
Last year’s winner, six-year-old Get Shirty, ran a 2:34.33, ridden by Daniel Tudhope and trained by David O’Meara. Enfranchise placed in that race, and Gaassee–the hot favourite to win–finished third.
The Festival
This year’s Old Newton Cup will be held July 6-8. It is an excellent opportunity for a family adventure for fans to enjoy excellent horse race betting activities.
—Thursday, July 6: Gates open at 12:40 on what is called, The Glass Times Raceday. The first race of six, the Supalite Dede Dash Fillies’ Handicap, starts at 14:40, and the last race, Glass Times Day Handicap, commences at 17:20.
—Friday, July 7: Gates open at 14:05 with the first race, Visit Racingtv.com Handicap, scheduled at 18:05. Another six races will be run, ending at 21:00 with the Racing TV Profits Back to Racing Handicap.
—Saturday, July 8: Gates open at 11:30 on bet365 Old Newton Cup Day. The first race is off two hours later at 13:30, culminating with the highlight race, the Bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap, at 15:15.
Facilities
Fans can treat themselves to first-class dining and hospitality facilities before, during, and after the races. Noted for its excellence, the course was named Racecourse of the Year in 1998 and 2000. There are picnic areas wherein attendees can enjoy food at the grassed area in front of the grandstands. Catering outlets are available in the enclosures to cater to your dietary needs. Private boxes and restaurants are also in Haydock Park for attendees to indulge in.
Haydock Park’s enclosures offer a variety of amenities and price options. The Grandstand and Paddock are the largest and offer the best view with bar and catering options. The County Enclosure means access to both seated and standing viewing areas, while the Premier Enclosure provides a more relaxed, sophisticated surrounding from the balcony. The most affordable option is the Be Friendly Enclosure, which includes a cafeteria and a small bar.
Final Thoughts
The Old Newton Cup is one of the oldest horse racing events in the United Kingdom. It offers an opportunity for older horses to compete, and for families to experience a three-day festival of entertainment and fun. Locals and visitors agree–the Old Newton Cup is a must-attend event!
