An Afternoon at the Races followed by an Evening of Madness Review
An Afternoon at the Races followed by an Evening of Madness…
Haydock Park Racecource
3 July 2015
www.haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Reviewed by Karen Crielly
On a glorious summer evening, I can think of no nicer experience than the one we had last night. We were at Haydock Race Course to see Madness in concert. Getting to Haydock is so easy, but is does get busy, but you can either come off the motorway at J23 or the straight up the East Lancs Road. Parking at the course is plentiful and free, but be warned I can imagine it can take a while to get out, We timed things just perfectly and as the last notes of the encore faded away we were pulling on the main road.
The course opened at 4:30pm but we got there around 6:45pm, just in time for the second race on the card, The Rugby at the Races Handicap Stakes. So we quickly placed our bets at the tote just inside the bar area of The County Stand, nipped to the bar, which even though busy, was well organised and we were served with in a minute, I also didn’t think the prices were over the top, not any dearer than most venues and cheaper than some I have been too. Collecting our drinks we rushed out to watch the race and we were in the perfect spot, directly opposite the Winning Post. And they are off and the atmosphere is electric, every one cheering and encouraging their chosen horse on. And we have a WINNER woohoo, it was a brilliant feeling going back to collect our winnings. What a great start to the night, there was 5 more races and luckily we had a couple more teeny tiny wins. Not going to strike it rich with £2.50 each way bets, but it was just part of the fun, picking your horse, placing your bet with the bookie of your choice and there are plenty to choose from and then cheering your champion on to the finish line. The race that seemed to have every one talking about and listening to those around us talking animatedly about how good he was and how much they were betting on him had Frankie Dettori riding a horse called Bnedel. Well sadly his horse came in second, so there was a flurry of torn betting slips being thrown in air like confetti and a few choice words. So the last race of the evening, there was only 4 horses running so we picked the odds on favourite, they were out of the traps and away, our horse was in last place, they round the bend on to the home straight when one of the horses decide to go in the completely wrong direction, oh dear, a few cheers and a lot of groans, obviously from those whose horse it was, but now the whole crowd is cheering as they race towards the line and our horse comes from dead last to WIN yes! We collect our winnings and head off towards the stage area for the main attraction of the evening.
On our way we grabbed some food and there was plenty of choice. You can opt for fine dining if your splurging, as this was the most expensive option ranging from £75 to £100 per person or do as we did and grab some hog roast sandwiches, there was also pizza, chicken n chips, hot dogs etc… available. Food prices at the fast food type vans was quite reasonable, our pork rolls were stuffed full and cost just £5.50 each. There are plenty of places to get drinks too either from the bars inside the stands, or there was sellers passing through the crowds with cooler tanks on their backs, serving Carling Lager, there was also lots of Fizztini areas to get your fix of fizz or even a Bellini or 2.
We headed back to the stage area and found a spot where I could see the stage and the big screen without being too squashed in. Madness took to the stage about 9:30pm and for a full 90 minutes they totally rocked the stage, Suggs and the rest of the band were in great voice. Opening with Grandslam, then Embarrassment , followed by some songs I wasn’t totally word perfectly familiar with and thru to the best part of the show for me the classic 80’s hits, One Step Beyond, House of Fun, Wings of a Dove, Baggy Trousers at this point the atmosphere became truly electric and the crowd really got going in true Madness style jumping around, singing at the top of our voices, a couple more classics followed Our House and It Must Be Love to end the show, It tried to rain but it came to nothing and it certainly did nothing to dampen the enthusiasms of the crowd.
We had a ball and as a day/night out, with friends or family, the crowd ranged from a tiny baby to a gentleman who appeared well into his 80’s it was perfect and catered to everyone. There were couples, stag and hen do’s. There are plenty of seating areas, in the stands or on the grassy areas, you can stand right at the rails and feel the wind and hear the thunder of hooves as the horses fly past you. You can simply people watch; dress codes vary, depending on which stand you are in. We were in the County Stand which requires smart casual for both gents and ladies so no jeans or trainers no t-shirts or tracksuits. I chuckled as towards the end of the evening lots of the beautiful killer heels were swapped out for comfy flats and flip flops, I had chickened out and wore my flats anyway…
It is a stunning venue with great facilities, with events priced to suit every pocket.
Would highly recommend Haydock Race Course and it was definitely a 5 out of 5 night out.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information on Haydock Race Course and their Live Music Events visit www.haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
For more information about Madness and their current tour visit www.madness.co.uk.