Chester Racecourse – The Roodee

If horse racing is your thing then you’ve probably at some time visited Chester Racecourse, the Roodee. That applies to not only Chester residents, but horse racing lovers from far and wide. But what about this famous horse racing venue…..carry on reading.

Chester Racecourse – The Roodee

Chester Racecourse – The Roodee, is known to be the oldest racecourse in England. You can go back to the early 16th century to find that horse racing was taking place at Chester. Furthermore, the Roodee is also thought to be the smallest racecourse of significance in England at 1 mile and 1 furlong (1.8 km) long.

The Roodee – A Brief History

Chester Racecourse – The Roodee is a 65-acre racecourse situated on the banks of the River Dee. Before becoming a racecourse, the Roodee site was previously a harbour. This was during the Roman occupation of the city during the Dark Ages. As the river silted up, the harbour was closed. Close to the centre of the course there is a raised mound, decorated by a small cross known as a “Rood”. As a result, the racecourse became known as “Roodee” – also known as “Rood Eye”, meaning “The Island of the Cross”.

Legend says the cross marks the burial site of a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The east side of the race course is adjacent to Chester’s ancient city walls. Nowadays, spectators can watch races for free from the walls which offer a clear view of the whole course. The historic Grosvenor Bridge, previously known to be the longest single arch bridge in the world, can be seen over the south-eastern corner.

To the north of the course you will find a long railway bridge carrying the North Wales Coast Line over the River Dee. Opposite the railway bridge, the course is overlooked by residents of Curzon Park.

Horse Racing

Prior to horse racing, the Chester Racecourse – Roodee site was used for the famous and bloody Goteddsday football match. This wasn’t football as we know it nowadays. The game was very violent and, in 1533, it was banned to be replaced in 1539 by horse racing.

The very first known race was held on 9 February 1539. Having said that, this date is not confirmed as other sources list the date as 10 January 1511. The mayor at the time, Mayor Henry Gee, consented to the event. As a consequence, his name led to the use of the term “gee-gee” for horses.

In the early days, races originally took place on Shrove Tuesday until 1609. From there on, races were also held on St George’s Day. Both of these major events were held during the medieval period. Race winners were awarded the “Chester Bells”, a set of bells for decorating the horse’s bridle. There after, from 1744 the winners were awarded with the “Grosvenor Gold Cup”. This was a small tumbler initially made from solid gold, but then later made from silver.

In 1745, the meeting became a four-day one, with only the one race on each of those days. In 1766 a May Festival was introduced, and in 1824, the Tradesmen’s Cup Race was a feature. Consequently this was later replaced by the Chester Cup.

At this time the racecourse was just an open field. In 1817, the racecourse’s very first grandstand was completed. It was only from 1897 onwards that admittance was taken. The stand was rebuilt in 1899–1900, and was replaced after being destroyed by a fire set by an arsonist in 1985.

Racing In Chester Today

Chester racecourse’s position and its very close proximity to the city centre, means race meetings at Chester are very popular. It is only a very short stroll from the course to all the hotels, bars, shopping and restaurants. The racecourse itself is a flat, left-handed (or anti-clockwise) and measures just over 1-mile (1.6 km) long. One of the main characteristics of the course is the very short straight (only 239 yards). As a result of this, long-strided horses, which normally perform better on straights, are at a distinct disadvantage.

In 2008, a restaurant opened on the racecourse, by the name of “1539”. Restaurant 1539 offers spectacular views of the course and was named in recognition of the first year that horse racing took place in Chester.

Another relatively new feature is the opening in 2013 of a Pub and Restaurant called The White Horse. You can find this popular pub in the centre of the Course.

Race fans that cannot attend the meetings, it is worth noting that the main race meetings at Chester are often broadcast on TV. Until 2016 the races were shown on Channel 4 racing. From 2017 they are now shown on ITV Racing.

In May 2012, all former Tote betting options were replaced by the racecourse’s own in-house ChesterBET betting system.

Currently, the Clerk of the Course is Andrew Morris. Mr Morris is also Clerk of the Course for sister course Bangor-on -Dee, just outside Wrexham. Bangor-on-Dee is a National Hunt jumps course.

Chester May Meeting

Without doubt the most popular meeting is the May meeting. Consequently the highlight of the event is the Chester Cup. Furthermore, even Chester residents who are not necessarily big race fans or race goers get involved in the Chester May meeting. The meeting does generate a sense of excitement and huge local interest.

One such occasion was back in 1985. Race fans and none race fans alike were caught up in the fever of it all by backing the eventual winner – Morgans Choice. This particular race and it’s local popularity was due to a city centre pub landlord. His name was Morgan and as a result of his popularity, most of his regulars backed Morgans Choice.

Relive one of Morgans Choice finest hours here…..

While Chester race meetings are not everyone’s cup of tea, they are here to stay. Race enthusiasts will continue to flock to the venue, therefore making it a hugely popular sporting for race fans everywhere.

Look out for Chester racecourse – the Roodee’s latest news, ticket prices and up and coming meetings by checking HERE

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Chester Racecourse – The Roodee