Chester horse racing course info

Chester Racecourse is a unique flat racing track, with the season running from May to September, there are 12 fabulous race meetings, including two three-day festivals - one in May and another in August. Racing at Chester's historic Roodee course dates back to the early 16th century, making it the country's oldest racecourse. Getting a bird's eye view is an expression which comes to mind with the proximity of the horses to the course itself. It is also one of the most appealing with views of the city walls, River Dee and the Welsh Hills. At 239 yards it also provides the shortest straight in the country. During race days the town comes to a standstill as all activity is centred on the racecourse. Notable Races

Cheshire Oaks
The Cheshire Oaks is a Listed flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 79 yards (2,285
metres) at Chester Racecourse in May. It was first run in 1950 and is a trial race for the Epsom Oaks. The two horses to have won both races are Lupe (1970) and Light Shift (2007). The race was downgraded to its present Listed status in 1986, prior to which it was classed as a Group 3 race.
Chester Cup
The Chester Cup is a flat horse race in the United Kingdom for four-year-old and above thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 2 mile 2 furlongs and 147 yards (3,755 metres) at Chester Racecourse in May. It is a handicap race and was first run in 1824. During the 1990s the race distance was altered slightly on two occasions. At the start of the decade it was run at 2 miles 2 furlongs 97 yards (3,710 metres), which was increased by 20 yards (18 metres) in 1992, before the present distance was established in 1994.
Chester Vase
The Chester Vase is a Group 3 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and 66 yards (2,474 metres) at Chester Racecourse in May. The race was first run in 1907. It is one of several recognised trial races for the Epsom Derby. The most recent Derby winner to have contested the Chester Vase was Quest for Fame, who had been runner-up in the trial in 1990. The runner-up in 2006, Dragon Dancer, went on to finish a close second at Epsom to Sir Percy. The 2007 winner, Soldier of Fortune, finished fifth in the Epsom Derby but subsequently won the Irish Derby.
Dee Stakes
The Dee Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 2 furlongs and 75 yards (2,080 metres) at Chester Racecourse in May. It is a recognised trial race for the Epsom Derby, and was promoted to Group 3 status in 2003 having previously been classed as a Listed Race. Recent winners of the Dee Stakes to be successful in the Derby include Oath and Kris Kin. The 1990 winner of the trial, Blue Stag, went on to finish second at Epsom. The race is so named because Chester Racecourse is situated on the banks of the River Dee.
Huxley Stakes
The Huxley Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for four-year-old and above thoroughbreds run over a distance of 1 mile 2 furlongs and 75 yards (2,080 metres) at Chester Racecourse in May. It was raised to Group 3 status in 2005.
Ormonde Stakes
The Ormonde Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for four-year-old and above thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 5 furlongs and 89 yards (2,697 metres) at Chester Racecourse in May. It was first run under its present conditions in 1936, although from 1955 to 1957 it was staged as a three year old race over 1 mile 2 furlongs 10 yards (2,021 metres). It is named in honour of Ormonde, the English Triple Crown winner of 1886 who won all his 16 races and was bred in Cheshire.   Course Details Flat:
Left-handed, flat, just over 1m round with short run-in. Very sharp, not favouring long-striding horses.
Effect Of Draw:
A low draw and a fast start give a distinct advantage in sprints.


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Contact Chester race course

Chester Racecourse Co. Ltd.
The Racecourse
Chester
CH1 2LY

Tel: 01244 323170
Fax: 01244 344971

e-mail:enquiries@chester-races.com
Internet site: http://www.chester-races.co.uk/

How to get to Chester racecourse