Chester Racecourse, England’s oldest horse racing track, has been thrilling horse enthusiasts since 1539 with exciting races and annual events. One of the most festive events at Chester Racecourse is the Boodles May Festival which opens the racing season at the iconic course.
Races were initially run on Shrove Tuesday, but the date was changed to St. George’s Day in 1609. The festival has been in existence since 1766. Chester Racecourse, famous as the Roodee, is one of the smallest courses in the country, with a track that’s 1.8 km, equivalent to one mile and one furlong. Chester Racecourse is one of the most picturesque in the UK.
2023 Update:
The Boodles May Festival 2023 will take place over three days from Wednesday, 10th May to Friday, 12th May. The festival will feature 21 races, including some of the most prestigious events in British horse racing, such as the Chester Cup.
Day one of the festival, City Day, is set to be a thrilling day of racing featuring the Boodles Diamond Handicap and the Chester Vase. On Ladies Day’s second day, the highlight race will be the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes. The final day, Chester Cup Day, will feature the showpiece event of the festival, the historic Chester Cup, and the Boodles Diamond Handicap.
Alongside the horse racing, plenty of entertainment will be offered throughout the festival, including live music, food and drink, and a range of family activities. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning surroundings of Chester Racecourse, one of the oldest racecourses in the UK and boasts spectacular views over the city.
Tickets for the Boodles May Festival 2023 are available now and can be purchased online from the official Chester Racecourse website. Hospitality packages, including private boxes and fine dining options, are also available for a more luxurious experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, the Boodles May Festival is a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience the excitement and glamour of British horse racing.
City Day
City Day, the opening day of the Boodles May Festival 2023, will occur on Wednesday 10th, May at Chester Racecourse. The day promises to be a thrilling start to the festival, with seven races scheduled to take place, including two feature races, the Boodles Diamond Handicap and the Group 3 Chester Vase.
The Boodles Diamond Handicap is a six-furlong sprint race open to horses aged three years and older. This race is known for its competitiveness and attracts some of the top sprinters in the country. Conversely, the Chester Vase is a Group 3 race for three-year-old colts and geldings. The race serves as a trial for the Epsom Derby and has been won by some of the most talented horses in racing history.
Tickets for City Day are available on the Chester Racecourse website, and hospitality packages are available for those looking for a more luxurious experience.
Date: Wednesday 10th May 2023
| Time | Race |
| 1:50pm | The ICM Stellar Sports Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes (Class 2,2yo) Distance: 5f,15y |
| 2:25pm | The Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks (Class 1,3yo) (Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race) Distance: 1m,3f,75y |
| 3:00pm | The Tote Handicap Stakes (Class 3,3yo) Distance: 5f,15y |
| 3:35pm | The Boodles Chester Vase Stakes (Class 1,3yo) (Group 3) Distance: 1m,4f,63y |
| 4:10pm | The Handicap Stakes (Class 3,3yo) Distance: 6f,17y |
| 4:45pm | The Maiden Stakes (Class 3,3yo) (GBB Race) Distance: 1m,2f,70y |
| 5:50pm | The Handicap Stakes (Class 4,4+yo) Distance: 7f |
Ladies Day
Ladies Day, the second day of the Boodles May Festival 2023, will take place on Thursday 11th May at Chester Racecourse. The day promises to be a glamorous affair, with visitors dressing to impress and enjoying a day of racing, fashion, and entertainment.
The highlight race of the day is the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes, a Group 3 race for horses aged four years and older. The race is named after the 18th-century Duke of Ormonde, who was one of the founding fathers of horse racing in the UK. The Ormonde Stakes is known for attracting some of the most talented middle-distance horses in the country, and previous winners include some of the most famous horses in racing history.
Tickets for Ladies Day are available to purchase on the Chester Racecourse website, and hospitality packages are also available for those looking for a more luxurious experience.
Date: Thursday 11th May 2023
| Time | Race |
| 1:50pm | The ICM Stellar Sports Handicap Stakes (Class 2,4+yo) Distance: 5f,15y |
| 2:25pm | The Handicap Stakes (Class 2,3yo) Distance: f,127y |
| 3:00pm | The Boodles Dee Stakes (Class 1,3yo) (Listed Race) Distance: 1m,2f,70y |
| 3:35pm | The Tote Ormonde Stakes (Class 1,4+yo) (Group 3) Distance: 1m,5f84y |
| 4:10pm | The TMT Group Handicap Stakes (Class 3,4+yo) Distance: 1m,2f,70y |
| 4:45pm | The British Stallion Studs Ebf Maiden Stakes (Class 2,2yo) (GBB Race) Distance: 5f,15y |
| 5:15pm | The Handicap Stakes (Class 4,3yo) Distance: 1m,4f,63y |
Chester Cup Day
Chester Cup Day, the final day of the Boodles May Festival 2023, will take place on Friday 12th May at Chester Racecourse. The day promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the festival, with a total of seven races scheduled to take place, including the showpiece event of the festival, the historic Chester Cup.
The Chester Cup is a handicap race run over a distance of two miles and two furlongs, and it’s one of the most prestigious races in the UK horse racing calendar. The race has been run since 1824 and has been won by some of the most famous horses in racing history. The Chester Cup attracts some of the most talented stayers in the country, and the race is known for its fiercely competitive nature.
Tickets for Chester Cup Day are available to purchase on the Chester Racecourse website, and hospitality packages are also available for those looking for a more luxurious experience.
Date: Friday 12th May 2023
| Time | Race |
| 1:50pm | The ICM Stellar Group Earl Grosvenor Handicap Stakes (Class 2,4+yo) Distance: 7f,127y |
| 2:25pm | The Handicap Stakes (Class 2,4+yo) Distance: 1m,2f,70y |
| 3:00pm | The Huxley Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2,4+yo) Distance: 2m,2f,70y |
| 3:35pm | The Tote Chester Cup Handicap Stakes (Class 2,4+) Distance: 2m,2f,140y |
| 4:10pm | The Boodles Maiden Stakes (Class 2) Distance: 1m,4f,63y |
| 4:45pm | The White Oak Apprentice Handicap Stakes (Class 4,4+yo) Distance: 1m,4f,63y |
| 5:20pm | The Tote Chester Plate Handicap Stakes (Class 2,4+yo) (Bobby Mcalpine Memorial Cup) Distance: 2m,2f,14y |
Facilities and Hospitality On Race Day
The grandstands and facilities at Chester Racecourse are unique and distinctive. Tattersalls, Dee, and County are the three grandstands. If you love the country atmosphere, you may bring a picnic to share with friends and family on the Open Course. Private boxes are available if you’re celebrating a special occasion at Chester Racecourse or entertaining clients.
The boxes feature balcony views of the final stretch of the racecourse. The racecourse features the Festival Chalet Village where racegoers can enjoy live music in between races. Get up close to the winners in the Paddock Ring and enjoy cocktails at the Paddock Rooms terraces.
One way to make the day memorable is to purchase a package for race day. Packages are available to accommodate every budget and guests requirements. The Final Furlong is track-side and features live jazz. The White Horse has charming, private gardens, and Restaurant 1539 offers fantastic views of all the races. When you choose a package for one of the restaurants on the course, your table is reserved for the day, and you may come and go at your leisure.
Restaurants at Chester Racecourse
The Final Furlong features an all-inclusive package that includes:
- All-inclusive four-course, buffet-style luncheon
- Unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Reserved table for the day
- Afternoon tea
- TV viewing
- Complimentary glass of champagne
The White Horse offers a relaxing experience with pub-style fare. Lunch is served in the Pub and the Conservatory, which has a retractable roof. The Garden Package features a BBQ menu and cash bar. Your table may be reserved for the day, and you have the option of watching the races on big screen TV from your table.
The 1539 Restaurant features the champagne welcome with admission to the County Stand. The luncheon features coffee and chocolates. A cash bar and extensive list of fine wines is part of the package. The Turf Restaurant is also located in the County Stand, in the midst of all the racing action. The Turf offers a more intimate experience for dining and is ideal for small groups and couples.
Taxis to Chester Racecourse
If you’re planning to attend the festival this year, the easiest way to get to Chester Racecourse is by Taxi. At Chester Taxis we provide transportation services to the racecourse from all around Chester. Our fleet includes latest model cars and mini-bus taxis to accommodate larger groups.
When you need reliable transfer service to and from the airport or railway station, we can accommodate you. Hackney Carriages or Black Cabs, offer safe service and are an excellent choice for sightseeing journeys around the city.
Our Chester Black Cabs feature ramps that make it easy to access luggage and load and unload a pram or wheelchair. Chester is famous for its vibrant nightlife, bars, and pubs. After a day at the Boodles May Festival, we can transport you to your favourite nightspot and deliver you safely home at the end of the evening.
How To Book Chester Taxi Service
The easiest way to book Chester taxi service is to call, send us a message, book online or use our app. You can also find us operating from all taxi ranks throughout the day and evening.
Our team is dedicated to providing each of our clients with courteous, professional service. Our drivers are licensed and ensure you of a safe and comfortable ride to Chester Racecourse or anywhere in the city.
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