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Horse’s age
I would like to welcome all our Annual Badgeholders to Haydock Park this afternoon for an afternoon of fantastic racing.
Our membership was saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sixteen days ago. She was a fantastic ambassador for horse racing generally and her last group race winner was here at Haydock Park earlier this year when King’s Lynn won the Cazoo Temple Stakes.
Today, we also celebrate the life of Lester Piggott. Lester won his first and last race here and sadly died a few months ago. We had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago at Haydock Park and his achievements included thirty Classic victories. Lester passed away earlier this year at the age of eighty-six.
Earlier this month, Minzaal took the Betfair Sprint Cup in a display of sheer sprinting brilliance, destroying the field in a matter of strides. It was a performance which was the pièce de résistance of his career, and he reportedly heads to stud. His colours will adorn our badge next year.
We have a menagerie of amenities at your disposal today. I am delighted to announce a viewing box will once again be in operation for your use, high up in the grandstand. We have a designated area and seating for your exclusive enjoyment and comfort.
With just one flat meeting to go after today, attention turns to the National Hunt season at Haydock Park. The Betfair Chase is our flagship contest and is only eight weeks away. Last year, A Plus Tard was an unforgettable winner en-route to Gold Cup glory at Cheltenham.
Work is very much underway on next year’s package for our Annual Badgeholders. Thirty-two days racing are included here at Haydock Park, together with a package festooned with extras. It offers the racing enthusiast an affordable and enjoyable package to enjoy racing at Haydock Park and makes an ideal Christmas present. More details will follow in due course on the website.
I wish you all an enjoyable and successful afternoons racing .
Stephen Darbyshire
Annual Members Representative
