This is one of my favourite times of the year - the Flat season is well underway and we have the bumper three day August fixture featuring superb racing, live music and one of the stylish days in the racing calendar.

Starting with the Rainbow Trust Family Day next Thursday (9th August), we’re set to host a fun filled action packed day for children of all ages including giant inflatables, face painting, games and more . It’s only £10 for adults if booked in advance and all under 17s are free. So bring the kids, a tasty picnic and have a terrific day out.

Paloma Faith will be gracing the stage on Friday night (10th August) for an evening of music and racing. She was a huge success at our sister course, Carlisle so we’re very excited to see her perform here at Haydock. It’s going to be the musical highlight of our summer and a huge crowd expected so make sure you purchase your tickets online beforehand.

The three day fixture culminates with the Rose of Lancaster Stakes Ladies Day on 11th August celebrating fashion, style and music in one day. This year also marks a very special 70th anniversary of flat racing’s greatest Jockey, Lester Piggott who had his first winner here at the young age of 12 aboard The Chase in 1948. Lester had an amazing career clocking up 5300 winners, 30 English Classics, 9 Epsom Derby titles and was champion jockey 11 times. Lester had 95 winners at Haydock Park so it is a perfect moment to celebrate his career achievements on the Rose of Lancaster Stakes day this year and Lester himself will be here as our guest of honour.

Off the track, ITV host and personality, Vernon Kay will be with us to spin the decks after racing and racegoers will have the chance of winning a £2k holiday in the Style Stakes competition.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Racecourse over the forthcoming week.