Racing History
The first recorded race at the 'Roodee Fields' was held on February 9th 1539, in the reign of Henry the Eighth, with the consent of Chester's Lord Mayor, Henry Gee (whose surname gave rise to the 'gee-gees' nick name for racehorses).
Until 1609, there was an annual race on Shrove Tuesday, thereafter the race was held on St George's Day (23 April). The Chester Goldsmith Company supplied a silver bell and in 1744 a gold cup was awarded annually by the Grosvenor family.
In 1766, a May Festival was introduced, and in 1824, the Tradesmen's Cup Race (the predecessor of the Chester Cup) was also introduced.The history behind the May Festival is in part what gives the event its charm, the heritage behind the races means every winner is proud to be added to the list of outstanding jockeys which is displayed within the Racecourse.
The Chester Cup
The Chester Cup was first run at Chester Racecourse in 1824 and amongst its winners it can boast such names as Brown Jack, Sea Pigeon and Top Cees. It is an early season test over the stamina sapping distance of two miles, two furlongs and 147 yards and often features those who will be plying their trade in the Cup races later in the season.
Chivalrous - Winner of the Chester Cup, 1922-23
Fact file
- Race distance: 2m 2 1/2f
- Prize money: £120,000 total prize fund
- Conditions: 4-y-o and up
- First run: 1824 (present title in 1893)
The Chester Vase
The race was first run in 1907, and has long and proud history of producing future classic winners. Run over a trip fraction in excess of a mile-and-a-half, it provides three-year-olds with a true test of stamina before either the Derby or, later in the season, the St Leger.
Fact File
- Race distance: 1m 4f 66yds
- Prize money: £65,000 total prize fund
- Conditions: 3-y-o colts and geldings only
The Dee Stakes
Seen as a significant trial for the Epsom Derby, the Dee Stakes attracts a lot of attention from bettors and bookmakers each May. This Group 3 flat horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbred colts and geldings covers a distance of one mile, two furlongs and 75 yards (2,080 metres). Recent winners of the Dee Stakes to be successful in the Derby include Oath and Kris Kin, while the 1990 winner of the trial, Blue Stag, went on to finish second at Epsom.
Fact File
- Race distance: 1m 2f 75yds
- Prize money: £65,000 total prize fund
- Conditions: 3-y-o colts and geldings only
The Ormonde Stakes
Fact File
- Race distance: 1m 5f 89yds
- Prize money: £75,000 total prize fund
- Conditions: 4-y-o and upwards
