You should bet so lucky...

There’s nothing guaranteed to get people’s hearts fluttering after a day at the races than a performance from pop princess Kylie Minogue.

Haydock Park kicked off this year’s season of music and race nights in style, with a mesmerising show from the Australian singer who raced through an extravaganza of hits old and new.

Course bosses seem to have hit on a winning formula with their combined race night and concerts – after betting on the horses, what better way to celebrate or commiserate than by enjoying some music?

It was clear Kylie was in fine fettle from the moment she stepped on the stage – she sang well, was in great humour, bantering with the crowd, and she looked sensational.

Indeed, many race-goers remarked how the 46-year-old looked far younger than her years as she performed in front of fans, some of who have been following her since her Neighbours days.

As well as a dazzling performance, Kylie’s outfits were eye-catching and included an animal print red and black jumpsuit, a very short glittery red dress teamed with red knee high boots and a lame gold outfit.

Musically, Kylie gave the 20,000 strong crowd what they wanted, a mix of old classics mingled with a songs from her new album Kiss Me Once.

From opening number Better The Devil You Know to favourites like Spinning Around, Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, On A Night Like This and Love At First Sight, Kylie had the audience roaring.

Relaxed and chatting with the crowd, the diminutive star commented on the number of “little people” in the audience who had enjoyed a family afternoon at the races, and joked: “There’s even people smaller than me, which must mean they’re under 10!”

Unlike some stars who turn their backs on the songs that once made them, Kylie didn’t shy away from nostalgia and happily stepped back in time to perform songs such as, er Step Back In Time, I Should Be So Lucky, Tears on My Pillow, Celebration and the Locomotion, all of which had her fans singing and bopping.

She also gave a great rendition of Kids, minus Robbie Williams and a superb cover of Kim Carnes’ Bette Davis Eyes.

Kylie’s backing singers were also hypnotic to watch with their acrobatic moves and eye-catching outfits and added to the theatrics.

The only slight criticism of the spellbinding show was that perhaps Kylie should have finished on catchier tunes than All The Lovers followed by her encore of Into The Blue.

Contrary to previous music nights at the racecourse, the weather held out with a fine evening and the rain didn’t fall until happy punters were on their home.

With upcoming Haydock music nights featuring Madness and Kaiser Chiefs, if this Kylie show is anything to go by, the odds are on that you’ll have a great night.

Aasma Day