Chester Races

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The home of the Chester Races is the Chester Racecourse, often known as the "Roodee". According to official records, the Roodee is the oldest racecourse in England that still holds regular races - as horse racing at Chester is known to have occurred in the early sixteenth century. As well as the oldest, it is also thought to be the smallest racecourse of significance in England today - as it is only 1 mile long. The grounds of the Chester Racecourse cover 65 acres, and lie on the banks and lie around the banks of the River Dee. During the Roman settlement of the city of Chester the site was used as a harbour, but this was closed when the river silted up. In the centre of the courses grounds there is a raise mound, decorated by a small cross known as the "rood" - this is here the Chester Races course derives the name "Roodee". The racing season at Chester begins with its three day May Festival - a popular event which puts the Chester Races well into the spotlight nationally. After the festival there is another 11 days of racing comprising of daytime races and evenings on offer through the summer - with 14 in total during the Chester Races racing season. Race days during this time are often themed and have a family friendly atmosphere. For example, the Midsummer Meetings and the Sunday Funday often have extra children's entertainment laid on for the events such as face painting, stalls and fairground rides. The Chester Races and the course itself are owned by the Chester Race Company, a company dedicated to improving the reputation and leisure activities available at and around the races. Under the Chester Race Company, the "what's on" list at Chester has grown to offer polo, horse shows, fine dining, concerts, the circus and more.

Chester Races Information

The course at Chester is flat, and runs left-handed over just over a mile round. It has a very short run in and it's turns are sharp, which does not favour horses with a long stride. There are three grandstands available at the Chester Races; the sophisticated County Stand, the vibrant and exciting Tattersalls Stand or the more sedate Dee Stand. Children which are under the age of 16 are admitted to the Chester Races free of charge when accompanied by an adult. There is a strict smart dress code in the Country Stand - with no denim allowed and all gentlemen required to wear a suit jacket, collar and tie.

Getting There

If travelling by car, the M53, M56, M6 and A483 are all close to Chester and provide links from Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales and the south of England. On race days there will be clear signs directing people to the course from all major routes and roads close to Chester. Car parking is available in the Open Course, and this is only for cars that have purchased a car pass. These passes can be bought in advance from ticket offices or pay lane booths on race days. They cost £7, except on the popular Sunday Funday when the cost is raised to £8. The nearest railway station is 20-30 minutes' walk from the Racecourse through Chester city centre. Helicopters may land on an area of the course with prior consent.