This distinctive circular track takes pride of place in the heart of Chester city centre. A flat racing-only venue, Chester lays on a number of hugely popular meetings between the months of May and September.
The three-day May Meeting acts as the opening event of the season and is also – by some distance – the track’s biggest fixture of the year. Regularly attracting talented performers from the biggest British and Irish yards, the meeting features the Listed class Cheshire Oaks, a trio of Group races, in the Chester Vase, Ormonde Stakes, and Huxley Stakes, and the major early season handicap of the Chester Cup.
Upcoming Fixtures at Chester
- Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 22nd August 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 11th September 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 12th September 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 19th September 2026 - Flat / Turf
Recent Fixtures
- Saturday 25th July 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 11th July 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 10th July 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 27th June 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 13th June 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 12th June 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 30th May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 8th May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Thursday 7th May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Wednesday 6th May 2026 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 20th September 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 13th September 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 12th September 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 30th August 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Sunday 3rd August 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 26th July 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 12th July 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 11th July 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 28th June 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 14th June 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 13th June 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Saturday 31st May 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Friday 9th May 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Thursday 8th May 2025 - Flat / Turf
- Wednesday 7th May 2025 - Flat / Turf
Chester Major Meetings
Few racecourses can match Chester for character. Nestled beside the city walls, the Roodee is the oldest racecourse still in use in Britain and one of the most distinctive thanks to its tight, left-handed circuit.
The atmosphere is every bit as memorable as the racing, with stylish hospitality, packed enclosures and a calendar that blends historic contests with some of the country’s best-loved social events. From the famous May Festival to the season-closing celebrations in September, Chester offers one of the most enjoyable racegoing experiences in Britain.
May Festival (May)
Everything about Chester’s season revolves around the May Festival. Across three action-packed days, the Roodee welcomes huge crowds for a meeting that combines elite Flat racing with one of the best social occasions of the spring. The city’s hotels, restaurants and bars fill with racegoers, creating a festival atmosphere that extends well beyond the racecourse itself.
The opening day features the Listed Cheshire Oaks and the Group 3 Chester Vase, two important Classic trials that have produced numerous Epsom contenders over the years. Thursday’s card is centred on the Dee Stakes and Ormonde Stakes, before the meeting reaches its climax on Friday with the Group 2 Huxley Stakes and the iconic Chester Cup, one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious staying handicaps.
- Chester’s flagship three-day meeting and one of the highlights of the Flat season
- Features the Chester Cup, Chester Vase, Cheshire Oaks, Dee Stakes, Ormonde Stakes and Huxley Stakes
- Renowned for its vibrant city-wide atmosphere, packed grandstands and exceptional hospitality
Roman Day (May)
Chester’s Roman heritage takes centre stage during this unique family fixture. The racecourse embraces the city’s fascinating history with themed entertainment, giving younger visitors plenty to enjoy alongside a competitive afternoon of Flat racing.
- Celebrates Chester’s Roman past with themed entertainment and activities
- Includes attractions such as stunt shows, archery and family entertainment
- Combines racing with one of the racecourse’s most accessible family events
Midsummer Meeting & City Plate Day (July)
Summer racing at Chester has a wonderfully relaxed feel, with racegoers making the most of long afternoons on the Roodee. The Midsummer Meeting, including City Plate Day, has become a favourite for those looking to combine quality racing with fine food, hospitality and live entertainment.
- One of Chester’s standout summer fixtures
- Popular Saturday meeting featuring the historic City Plate
- Live music and outdoor dining add to the festival atmosphere
Ladies Day (August)
Few race days capture the social side of racing quite like Ladies Day. Stylish outfits, fashion competitions and packed hospitality suites create an electric atmosphere, while the action continues long after the final race thanks to live music and evening entertainment.
- One of the biggest social occasions on Chester’s calendar
- Famous for its Best Dressed competition and glamorous atmosphere
- Live music or DJ performances follow the afternoon’s racing
Autumn Festival (September)
As the Flat season begins to wind down, Chester hosts a two-day meeting that continues to attract high-quality horses and competitive fields. The Autumn Festival offers a fitting blend of sporting excellence and premium hospitality, making it a favourite with racing fans and corporate guests alike.
- Two-day showcase of high-quality Flat racing
- Combines competitive racing with first-class hospitality experiences
- One of the final major meetings before the season draws to a close
Season Finale (September)
The curtain falls on another memorable season with Chester’s final fixture of the year. While there’s a touch of sadness that racing is coming to an end, the racecourse ensures the campaign finishes on a high, often adding themed entertainment and celebrations to create a memorable farewell.
- Brings Chester’s racing season to a close
- Often incorporates seasonal themes, including Oktoberfest celebrations
- Final opportunity to experience racing at the Roodee until the following spring
