A GREAT family day out can be had by all as the horses at Haydock Park come under starters orders.

On Sunday, The Manchester Evening News is again sponsoring a day's racing at the Newton-le-Willows venue - a course that Mancunian racegoers regard as their local track.

Twelve months ago, when the M.E.N. first gave its backing to the day, a bumper crowd of more than 13,000 people turned up to have fun in the sunshine. This year a good time is guaranteed, but not the weather.

While mums and dads are checking out the horses and riders, youngsters will be entertained between races by clowns, jugglers, face painters and acrobats.

They can also have fun on bouncy castles.

This year, the racing promises to be of an even higher standard and more entertainment is being provided.

Punters will get the chance to see Harriet Haydock, the racecourse mascot, make her eagerly awaited debut on the track on Sunday.

The feature race of the day is the Listed Manchester Evening News July Trophy, a heat over one-and-a-half miles for three-year-old colts, due off at 3pm.

Top stables

Big stables from Newmarket, the centre of British racing, use this race as a stepping stone to a possible tilt at the oldest classic race in the world, Doncaster's St Leger.

Judging by initial entries, which include runners from the powerful Godolphin team and champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute, it promises to be an event to savour.

Haydock Park general manager Adam Waterworth has been thrilled by the early response to the meeting and he is determined to make it a day to remember for everyone.

''We have made every effort to improve on last year and I believe we have,'' he said. ''It is the first time we have held a Listed race on a Sunday and are thrilled with the entry.

''But the essence of Sunday racing is geared around the family and there will be something for everyone who turns up.

''It promises to be a tremendous day.''

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