Chester Racecourse
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Chester Racecourse
History
It is considered the oldest racecourse in the UK, with the first recorded race on February 9, 1539, currently owned by Chester Race Company Ltd. It is also officially acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Oldest Racecourse in the world that hold races. In addition to this, the racecourse consistently received the Gold Standard Award by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) since the award’s inception in 2008. It also received the prestigious title of Large Racecourse of the Year in 2015, 2018, and 2019. It was also formerly the home of the original Chester Midsummer Watch Parade, temporarily banned by Oliver Cromwell but finally abolished in 1677.
During Roman times, the area had a harbor and sat on the River Dee, and the Anglo-Saxon name is the Roodee. Towards the center of the infield is a raised mound decorated by a small cross known as a “rood”. It is from this that the racecourse derives the name “Roodee”; Roodee is a corruption of “Rood Eye”, meaning “The Island of the Cross”. By the Middle Ages, the area silted up and eventually became the site of the racecourse. Moreover, the site was also home to the famous and bloody Goteddsday football match, where games became vicious due to high levels of player injury and the ramifications that came with it. Hence, it was banned in 1533 and replaced in 1539 by horse racing. It is located within the city center and is served by Chester Railway Station and a bus stop outside the venue. The east of the racecourse abuts directly onto Chester’s ancient city walls, which were once used to moor Roman trading vessels before the river’s course changed.
Track Details
The racecourse is over 1-mile (1.6 km) long, flat, and raced anti-clockwise or left-handed. The main characteristic of the course is the very short straight (239 yards). The sharp nature of the course means that it races exclusively on the Flat, and Chester’s May Festival is now considered to be one of the highlights of the Flat racing year. It has enclosures, The County, The Paddocks, The Tattersalls, and The Dee Stand. The Main Reception Area is located at the front of the main building and has level access, and the desk area has a low-level area for wheelchair users.
The County Concourse is a premium enclosure at the heart of the racecourse that permits racegoers to access the Paddock where you will find the Dining Village, The Parade Ring, County Champagne Bar, and Winner’s Enclosure. This badge does not provide access to the seated area in the County Stand. Limited standing is available in the first few rows of the County Stand (availability dependent). Tattersalls stan enclosure is the largest on the racecourse. Perfect for large groups that give access to bars, catering concessions, and entry to the Paddock. The Dee Stand has a tiered, uncovered terrace and ground floor standing area that provides catering, bars, and betting access. There is no strict dress code in this area.
It also has an open Course located in the centre of the race track, where guests can bring their own food/soft drinks into this area. Refreshment vendors are available on this course; however, there are no ATMs, and advised to bring cash with you. The car park is free for all visitors, with eight (8) designated disability parking areas within the car park near the Paddock.
Contact
- The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 1244 304600
- https://www.chester-races.com/
Chester Racecourse
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