HAYDOCK Park has landed another award after being named, along with York, as the most friendly and hospitable in the country in a poll organised by the Racehorse Owners' Association.

Members were asked to rate the racecourses that looked after them best. And York and Haydock Park came out top with the big southern racecourses 'also rans.'

Haydock's general manager, Adam Waterworth, who has just taken charge after moving up from the south, said: "This is a North/South divide that the North can be proud of. We make an especially big effort to welcome racehorse owners to Haydock and we are well aware of the need to ensure all owners are very well looked after. It is very rewarding for our efforts to be recognised by the ROA."

In the winter Haydock provides owners with their own luxury hospitality tent beside the parade ring. Complimentary transport is laid on from railway stations and airports. Food is free too.

The initiative, started a year ago, is intended to encourage more runners at the racecourse during winter months. It followed a multi-million pound upgrading of facilities for all racegoers and a major investment in prize money.