Chester

Chester May Festival Hospitality

Chester also known as the Roodee, has an amazing history, turbulent past, and justifiable reputation for great hospitality.

According to official records, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in use in England, with horse racing at the infamous racecourse dating back to the early sixteenth century. It is also thought to be the smallest racecourse of significance in England at 1 mile and 1 furlong long.

The 65-acre venue lies on the banks of the River Dee. The site was once a harbour during the Roman settlement but was closed as the river silted up and made navigation impossible.

Towards the centre of the in-field is a raised mound which is decorated by a small cross known as a “rood”. It is from this that Chester Racecourse derives its nickname as an expression of “Rood Eye”, meaning “The Island of the Cross”.

The first recorded horse race at Chester was held on February 8 1539, with the consent of then-mayor Henry Gee, whose name led to the use of the term “gee-gee” for horses.

Races originally took place on Goteddsday (Shrove Tuesday) until 1609, and thereafter on St George’s Day. Victors were awarded the “Chester Bells”, for decorating the horse’s bridle, and from 1744 the “Grosvenor Gold Cup” – a small tumbler made from solid gold.

For decades, Chester Racecourse was just an open field. The first Grandstand wasn’t built until 1817, while admittance fees didn’t come into effect until 1897. The Grandstand was rebuilt between 1899-1900 and then fully replaced in 1985 after incurring damage from a fire.

The Racecourse’s position in the city makes meetings at Chester very popular as it is only a short stroll to all the hotels, bars, shopping and restaurants.

The east side of the Chester Racecourse abuts directly onto the ancient city walls from where spectators can watch the horse racing action for free, enjoying panoramic views of the whole circuit.

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Chester May Festival

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