CHESTER RACECOURSE


Chester Racecourse is truly one of the most unique racecourses in the world. It is a brilliant course for viewing and atmosphere, and if you love racing you have to one day go to Chester Racecourse.

chester racecourse

Key Characteristics

Chester is the smallest racecourse in the country, being just over a mile round, and horses are on the turn throughout. The tightness coupled with the extremely short run-in mean that unless you have a horse who races prominently you can forget it. Together with Beverley, Chester probably has the most well known draw bias in the country, see the pages to the right for details.

Course map


chester racecourse map

Interesting Facts about Chester Racecourse

  • Chester Racecourse is commonly known as the Roodee.
  • Racing has been held at Chester since 1539, making it one of the oldest racecourses still in use.
  • The racecourse occupies land beside the River Dee and close to Chester’s historic city walls.
  • Chester is the smallest racecourse in Britain, with a circuit of just over one mile.
  • The course is left-handed and extremely tight, with runners turning for much of a race.
  • The Chester Cup is one of the best-known staying handicaps in the British Flat racing calendar.
  • The May Festival is the racecourse’s principal annual meeting.
  • The name Roodee is linked to a small stone cross that once stood on the site.
  • Chester’s grandstands are positioned close to the racing surface, contributing to its distinctive atmosphere.
  • The course stages Flat racing only.
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