RACEGOERS planning to attend Haydock Park's meeting on Saturday, March 31 are being advised to arrive earlier than usual because of precautions to combat the potential spread of foot and mouth disease.

A drive-through disinfectant 'bath' has been constructed in the avenue leading to the racecourse which all vehicles will go through before and after racing. In addition, all racegoers will walk over disinfectant mats.

Saturday's meeting -- an all-jumps race card instead of the originally-scheduled mixture of flat and National Hunt racing because the flat track is waterlogged -- will also see the opening of a new £100,000 Tattersalls entrance and food court at the course.

General manager Adam Waterworth said: "We're delighted to be opening our new Tattersalls entrance and food court on Saturday. However, we strongly advise racegoers to allow extra time to get in because of the precautions being implemented because of foot and mouth disease. Racegoers should wear suitable footwear because everyone must walk over disinfectant mats".

First race on Saturday is due off at 2.10pm.

Entry is £6 to the Newton Enclosure, £13 to Tattersalls, £21 to the County Enclosure, and £35 to the Premier Enclosure on the top floor of the Centenary Grandstand.

Accompanied children under 16 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half-price.

More details about racing at Haydock are available on web site www.haydock-park.com.