Merseyside football stars Peter Reid and John Aldridge give racing big thumbs-up

Cheer up Peter Reid? No, cheer up racing. That was the message from the man himself on a wet, grey day at Haydock.

The football legend, who had some of his greatest playing days just a few miles across Merseyside at Everton's Goodison Park, urged the sport he loves to ignore the nay-sayers and have the courage of its own convictions.

His apparently doleful touchline demeanour may have inspired a famous terrace chant that also became the title of his autobiography, but he is unquestionably upbeat when it comes to racing.

"It sells itself," is his response when asked how it should go about marketing itself to a new audience. "It's a great sport. If there are pessimists out there, I'd say the sport is remarkable. How do you sell it? Get people out to see the beauty of it.

"I've seen many great horses and when you see a great racehorse live there are not many things better – it's an art form, they're so graceful."

Among Reid's earliest memories are watching Team Spirit win the Grand National and Arkle's Gold Cup clash with Mill House, and he is still a keen enough racegoer to have been at Ascot for Frankel's farewell performance at Ascot in 2012.

"There are that many things to do now, but I still think it's one of the best days out you can have – whether it's a rainy day at Haydock Park or a beautiful summer's day at Newmarket, Ascot or York, which is my favourite track. The Knavesmire has got something magic about it," says the man who is part of the backroom team at Wigan Athletic.

"I do like a drink but even if you don't drink, to watch the races and the animals is fantastic, as is the ability of jockeys, riding a thoroughbred is an art in itself."

Peter Reid: 'It's one of the best days out you can have'Credit: David Carr

Reid was speaking at an event marking the upcoming launch of the revived Tote Ten To Follow competition.

He was joined by former Liverpool star John Aldridge, another lifelong racing fan who is also keen to spread the good word.

Asked about the reputation that racing has in some circles for exclusivity and impenetrability, he says: "People might look at it that way but it's a great sport to watch. It gets you enthralled, especially when you're at the races.

"When your horse wins it's like when your team scores a goal. You might win £10, you might win £50, it doesn't matter. It's all about the passion you have for it."

Of course, not every raceday goes perfectly and Aldridge remembers a particularly challenging team outing to the Grand National in his Liverpool heyday in 1989.

"We won 5-1 against Sheffield Wednesday in the morning. We battered them but I had one of those games when their keeper saved everything and I didn't score," said the man who nonetheless remains the sixth highest goalscorer in Football League history.

"I was gutted. We went to Aintree afterwards and I backed Bob Tisdall. At the start all the horses went one way and he turned and went the other.

John Aldridge: 'When your horse wins it's like when your team scores a goal'Credit: David Carr

"Then John Barnes and Alan Hansen had a bet and had a race on the course – and Barnesy did a hamstring! What else could go wrong?"

Relive the best stories from an outstanding year of racing with the must-have Racing Post Annual 2020. This year's title, available for only £12.99, is bigger and better than ever and is the perfect gift for every racing fan. Order your copy here