Haydock Park is serving up two helpings of festive horse racing before the bells ring out 2008.

First is pre-Christmas racing on Saturday, December 20, when the sport is under way at 12.50pm.

A seasonal atmosphere with plenty of merriment is guaranteed - and the cameras of Channel 4 will also be joining in the fun on course.

The feature races of the fixture are the Joseph Heler Cheese Handicap Hurdle and the Sodexo Prestige Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase.

There is then just a short break until Haydock Park's traditional fixture before the end of the old year . . . on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 30.

The final day's racing of 2008 includes The Last Fling Steeplechase, sponsored by Blackpool Tower & Circus and run over three and a half miles, commemorating one of the most popular horses to race at Haydock Park.

Northern trainer Sue Smith - who trained The Last Fling - has a good record in the race, having saddled two of the last five winners.

ADMISSION: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AND TUESDAY DECEMBER 30

First race times are 12.50pm and 1pm respectively. Admission to the Newton Enclosure is £9 on the 20th and £7 on the 30th; to Tattersalls £17 and £14 respectively; to the County Enclosure £28 and £23 respectively; Premier Enclosure £43 and £34 respectively. Accompanied children under 16 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.