CHESTER RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
During the Roman occupation of Britain, most of the modern sixty five acre site of Chester racecourse was not even dry land. In fact, it was an important harbour on the river Dee, which supplied the roman garrison of Deva, (now the city centre section of modern day Chester), and for those interested in ancient history, some of the anchor stones used at the roman port can still be observed at the current racecourse site.
After the departure of the romans, and following several centuries of river action, silt produced an island in the river, and a stone cross was built on the island. The current name for Chester racecourse of - The Roodee - is a mixture of the Norse and Saxon languages, and means The Island of the Cross.
By the early middle ages, the construction of a weir system on the river caused much larger quantities of silt to be deposited, and the original roodee was converted into a riverside meadow, and this lay the foundation for the area to be eventually turned into a racecourse.
It is worth noting, Chester has three major footnotes in the history of modern era horse racing. The first recorded prize given to the winner of a horse race, a hand painted wooden bowl, was presented to the winner of a horse race at a Chester fair in 1512.
The second footnote revolves around Henry Gee, who became mayor of Chester in 1539. One of the many reforms Gee introduced, was an annual horse race meeting on the Roodee. The original prize of a silver bell was presented to the winning owner of, "The horse that ran before all others". The start date of this event makes Chester racecourse the oldest continuous site of horse racing in the British Isles.
Finally, due to his involvement, and love of horse racing, Henry Gee’s name became synonymous with race horses, as today they are still often called, 'gee gees'.
By 1817, the vast crowds attracted to the annual Chester races made it economically viable to build the first grandstand. This proved to be an unqualified success, as the tight nature of the track enabled race goers to watch and enjoy every facet of the racing action.
During the nineteenth century, Chester races attracted: "The most perfect mix of society from all over the British isles". This is a proud tradition the racecourse continues up to the present day.
In recent years, Chester has extended its racing programme, and in 2011, the racecourse will stage fourteen days of competitive and quality racing.
However, the prime event remains the three day festival meeting in early May, and with historic races like the Chester Cup, the Chester Vase, the Ormonde Stakes, the Cheshire Oaks, and the Dee Stakes, this 3 day meeting attracts top racehorses from Britain, Ireland, and sometimes France.
Track facts:
Chester only stages flat racing.
Chester possesses one of the tightest tracks in the United Kingdom. Run left handed, the course has no undulations, and is fairly symmetrical. It is just over a mile in circumference, with home and back straights both approximately two and a quarter furlongs in length. It also has continuous tight bends at either end.
Beyond the winning post, at the bottom end of the short home straight, there is a spur to the racecourse. Races of just over seven and a half furlongs, and just under two miles, both start from this location.
At the top end of the home straight, the outside running rails of the track have been squared off. This has created the room for the starting stalls to be used for one mile two furlong races, and more importantly, for the large field, which regularly enters the two mile two furlong Chester Gold Cup.
The extremely tight nature of the track means horses have to be well balanced, with the acceleration to take advantage of gaps as they appear. In sprint races, a low draw is a major advantage, as early leaders often Make All. Sometimes, to make racing more competitive, a false running rail is used at the entrance to the home straight. The inside rail then bends inwards, and allows room for horses to find important gaps.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Due to Chesters compact nature, grandstand race goers can easily observe every stage of the racing action.
Chester has three different grandstand enclosures, plus a course enclosure. Each enclosure has its own food and drink facilities.
County Ticket.
These tickets allow holders to use most of the facilities of the racecourse, but initial access to the racecourse must first be made through a County stand entrance.
Located opposite the winning post, the County Grandstand provides superb covered viewing of all the racing action. Ticket holders also have access to all the public areas of the racecourse.
The County Grandstand Concourse is located on the ground floor. It houses a large bar, plus the dining facilities of the Turf Restaurant. To maintain an intimate atmosphere, this restaurant imposes a maximum limit of eight people in each party. This makes the facility very popular, and it has to be booked well in advance.
For ticket holders who like to keep on the move, the Long Room, on the first floor of the grandstand, provides snacks and bar facilities.
A subway links the County Enclosure to the in field paddock area. Apart from the pre parade ring, parade ring, and winners enclosure, this area also houses the brassiere dining facilities provided by the Roodee bar and grill.
Tattersalls Ticket.
Adjacent to the County stand, the Leverhulme Grandstand offers excellent facilities for Tattersalls ticket holders. Situated in the middle of the short home straight, the grandstand provides a full view of each race. There is also access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
From the May meeting in 2008, Tattersalls ticket holders can enjoy fine dining in the relatively new 3.5 million split level 1539 Restaurant and Pavilion. Named in honour of Chester historic first race meeting, The upper level of the facility offers an executive lounge facility which seats 40.
Tattersalls ticket holders can also utilise the Roodee bar and grill, plus the Champagne and Seafood bar.
Dee stand Ticket.
Although this ticket does not provide access to the parade ring and winners enclosure, the Dee Grandstand is well situated at the start of the home straight, and still provides excellent views of the racing, including a close up view of the start of the Chester Gold Cup.
The inner race goer is catered for by several bar and hot food facilities.
Course enclosure Ticket.
Excluding the tented village, and paddock areas, these ticket holders have access to the remainder of the centre section of the Roodee. The tight nature of the racecourse, and the availability of television monitors, make it possible for these ticket holders to follow all the racing action.
This is the only enclosure on the course where ticket holders may bring in their own food and drink. In fact, many visitors use the centre of the course for a family picnic. However, bar and hot food facilities are also available.
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Disabled Facilities:
Chester Racecourse Company has a proactive attitude to catering for disabled race goers.
For race goers who are confined to a wheelchair, parking can be arranged in the disabled parking bays at the Holiday Inn Express, which is located next to the racecourse. Other disabled patrons can park in the disabled spaces near the paddock.
There is a wheelchair route throughout the racecourse. Initial access is gained through the Leverhulme Grandstand. Furthermore, lifts are available in the County, Leverhulme, and Tattersalls Grandstands.
Designated viewing areas have been established in the Paddock area, plus the County, Tattersalls, and Dee Grandstands. The Paddock viewing platform gives particularly good views of the track and winning post.
A special marquee with light refreshments has been set aside for our disabled visitors. One of our stewards is always available to offer information and advice.
Specialist toilet facilities are available in all racecourse enclosures.
Dispensations are available on ticket prices for Carers.
For full details on all disabled facilities and policies, telephone the Chester Racecourse Company.
Fixtures:
Chester only stages flat racing fixtures.
2011:
Saturday 21 May
Saturday 11 June
Transport Links:
By Road:
The racecourse is located below the Grosvenor bridge, on the A483 Wrexham Road.
From the North and South, use the M6, the M56, and then the M53. This brings you on to the Chester ring road. On race days, The racecourse is signposted from this route.
Car and coach parking is available in the centre of the racecourse. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or bought at pay booths on the day of racing. There are also several other car parks in close proximity to the racecourse. However, to be sure of a parking space, early arrival is strongly recommended.
By Rail:
There are direct links to Chester from London Euston, Holyhead, Manchester, Crewe, and Birmingham, plus a direct Merseyrail link to Liverpool.
Chester station is about a mile from the racecourse, and on a nice day, is a wonderful walk through a picturesque and historic city.
For the less active, bus services operate between the railway station and the racecourse.
By Bus:
National Express coaches operate services into Chester, and the bus station is not too far from the racecourse.
By Air:
The nearest regional airport is Liverpool John Lennon.
Light aircraft, and helicopters can use Hawarden Deesside airfield.
Tel No: 01244 52 20 12, or 13.
Subject to Racecourse Company permission, on most race days, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address: Chester Race Co Ltd, Racecourse, Chester, Ch1 2LY.
Telephone Number: 01244 30 46 00.
Fax Number: 01244 30 46 49.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
ABode Hotel Chester
Tel No: 01244 347 000
ABode Chester is a brand new addition to Chester and is centrally located on the edge of the historic race course in the heart of the city Centre
The 85 bedrooms are designed and fitted to ABode’s high standards and boast magnificent views of Chester and the race course. Each bedroom including a luxurious Vi-Spring bed which will give you the best night's sleep ever, air-conditioning; secondary glazing; LCD TV & DVD players; in-room safe; hospitality tray with complimentary tea & coffee making facilities; bespoke toiletries; a tuck box with regional food and drink and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
Combining contemporary design and British style, the ‘Comfortable’ guest rooms at the 4 Star ABode Chester give a new meaning to the words ‘standard room’ – with each room offering air conditioned luxury which includes; attractive en suite facilities, vi-spring beds for a superb night’s sleep, remote controlled LCD televisions and DVD player, complimentary wi-fi access, and all the other room facilities discerning guests expect in a top quality hotel. If you are seeking some extra luxury during your stay, our ‘Desirable’ guest rooms live up to their billing, offering king size vi-spring beds, enhanced room and bathroom facilities, and some even offer balconies overlooking Chester racecourse.
The Michael Caines Restaurant is the spectacular centerpiece of the ABode Chester dining experience. Located on the 5th floor, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and the historic Chester Racecourse, this is a special place to come to enjoy Michael Caines cuisine of the highest order. The atmospheric dining room can accommodate 76 diners comfortably indoors, while the outside terrace provides the best open-air dining option in the city, directly overlooking Chester's famous racecourse.
With easy access to the historic city of Chester, and with its own fantastic in-house facilities, ABode Chester is simply the perfect location for race-goers attending Chester Races.
To find out more about ABode Chester, or to ensure your booking in the perfect location when attending Chester Races, please use the link below:
Click here
Mercure Chester East Hotel.
Tel No: 01244 33 21 21.
The superb four star Mercure Chester East Hotel is the ideal base for visitors to Chester and its historic racecourse. The hotel has 126 rooms, all of which have flat screen LCD televisions, high speed internet access, en suite facilities, and 24 hour room service. The hotel also offers suites, executive rooms, and adapted rooms for disabled guests.
Visitors can relax in the friendly Arts Bar and lounge, conveniently situated on the ground floor. Food can be ordered from the bar up to 10 o’clock in the evening. The Arts restaurant offers diners an extensive menu of varied and interesting European and British dishes. The more energetic can enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and fully equipped gym of the Sebastian Coe Health Club.
For more information on this Hotel use the link below to move to a sub list and then click on the link for Mercure Chester East Hotel.
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