The Racecourse Prices Index: how much for food and drink at Haydock?

The Racecourse Prices Index (RPI) is a new and occasional series, in which we report from each of Britain and Ireland's racetracks on the cost of going racing.

Racecourse report: entry, food and pint prices from Haydock

Haydock

Date visited: Saturday, May 21, 2022

Was it a big day?

Yes, one of the biggest here on the Flat with two Group 2s – the Temple and Sandy Lane – and Royal Ascot clues spread across the card.

How much was entry on the gate?

£27 grandstand and paddock (£10 to upgrade to County enclosure). £22 when booked in advance. £3 for a racecard.

Other than restaurants/hospitality, what were the food and beverage options?

Pretty extensive. Although for those watching their cholesterol, choices were limited. The trusty burger van was busy and for the more discerning palate there was a separate stall selling gourmet equivalents – spiced chicken, steak and vegan.

They know a good pie around these parts – Wigan is the pie capital of the world after all – but it was a bit of a search to find one. In the end, the interestingly named The Dog House delivered the goods, with peas and gravy options of course. They also sold hot dogs and sausage rolls, hence the name. I didn't see anyone eating a Wigan kebab (Google it), but it was early.

What's the damage?

Bottle of water: £2.20 (free water readily available at the bars)
Cheapest pint: Carling, £5.90
Guinness: £6
Champagne: £66 a bottle
Burger: £5.50 for a cheeseburger from the burger van (£8.50 for gourmet burger with chips)

All drink prices taken from the main racecourse bar, or where there are multiple bars, one chosen at random.

What was the gourmet chicken burger like?

It looked better than it tasted. The chicken, which had been marinated for 24 hours apparently, was on the cold side and the chips were heavy on the salt. All the ingredients were of good quality, though, and the staff were friendly and attentive.

Food at Haydock on Saturday

And the queues?

They were starting to form in the bars and the food outlets but there seemed to be plenty of staff. On busy Saturdays here queues have been known to be a problem in certain areas. At least it gives people the chance, in between pints, to utilise the hydration stations, the water dispensers placed at the end of the bars.

What did the punters say?

"I've had the steak baguette and chips. It's a bit expensive at £10, but it's not too bad. It tastes all right, but it's not brilliant. There were no queues when I went up, if you go early it's okay but in the middle of the afternoon they can be large. It's the same at the bars."
Andy White, Manchester

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