RaceRevels
They’ve been enjoying racing in Chester for almost 500 years. We look at the enduring popularity of Chester Races and find out what’s happening in 2012.
Roman galleys used to weigh anchor here and football matches got a bit out of hand.
Now horses vie for honours on the oldest racecourse in Britain and the fashionistas have a field day.
Horse racing has been staged in the City since 1539 – it’s easy to remember the date because its fabulous restaurant is named after the year.
Horse races began in Chester because the football matches on The Roodee were banned for being too violent and the local folk wanted something to replace them.
The original races were on foot until someone had the bright idea to use horses instead.
The original prize for the winner was a silver bell donated by the Mayor, who happened to be called Gee – that’s why horses are sometimes called ‘gee-gees’.
Nowadays, 250,000 spectators turn up for some of the best racing in Britain staged on a site that was once a massive Roman harbour.
Chester Racecourse is a venue like no other where spectators can get really close to the racing action, and enjoy cuisine created by award winning chefs.
You can also enjoy special events alongside the main racing programme, from fashion focussed evenings to a day packed full of entertainment for families, there’s something for everyone!
The 2012 season begins with the three-day May Festival when over 15,000 bottles of Champagne will be consumed along with 22,000 glasses of Pimms.
The Chester Cup on 9th May is the biggest race of the season with a prize of £100,000.
There’s nothing quite like it!
12
visitchester.com
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
www.chester-races.com 01244 304610
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