Chester Racecourse

Chester May Festival 2006 Wednesday 10th May to Friday 12th May Chester Racecourse prepares to open its doors for another season with the return of the May Festival running from Wednesday, 10th May to Friday 12th May, featuring two Derby trials in the MBNA Europe Chester Vase and the Cheshire Regiment Dee Stakes, sponsored by the Elifar Foundation, as well as the totesport Chester Cup. As in previous years, an extremely strong three day card will ensure that racegoers will have a great day out with plenty of additional entertainment as well as top class racing on offer. The Festival kicks off with the totesport Chester Cup, a race that is much more about equine stars than human ones. Being a handicap for all ages, it attracts familiar faces year after year. Anak Pekan has won the race for the last two years, so all will be hoping that the champion will return for a record third victory on the opening Wednesday. The second day features the MBNA Europe Chester Vase, which in previous years has been won by the legendary Shergar. As well as top class racing the second day is also Ladies Day which for the last two years has boasted sell out crowds so book early to avoid disappointment. The final day of the Festival features the Cheshire Regiment Dee Stakes, sponsored by the Elifar foundation, which was won in 1999 by Oath and in 2003 by Kris Kin, who both went on to conquer all at Epsom in the 1999 and 2003 Vodafone Derby. This year, Chester bids a fond farewell to the historic and unique Linnenhall Yard that stands in the centre of the City. Gone are the days of horses walking through the streets on their way to the races. The old stables will be replaced by a £2-million riverside development with 138 high-spec stables and general facilities which will offer a more relaxed atmosphere for horses during build-up for racing. Local building developer David Maclean and Chester Racecourse executives have spent 4 years of planning and consultation to create a fantastic establishment for visiting thoroughbreds. With the opening of the new stables in early May, Chester is delighted to announce the inaugural Owners & Trainers Championship for Chester’s 2006 season. Thanks to the backing of a new sponsor, The Sportsman, the leading Owner and Trainer will both win a £5,000 cash prize and a signed copy of an exclusive print by Daniel Crane of Chester’s old Linnenhall Stable Yard. The Championship will work on a points system and the winner will be announced at the end of racing on Saturday, 23rd September 2006. For the first day of the May Festival only, Chester has introduced the ‘Up for the Cup’ package which for only £25 will include: a Tattersalls Ticket, a £2 Tote Betting Voucher, a complimentary racecard and a free pasta dish from the ‘Olive Press’ (before 1.30pm). In order to book the ‘Up for the Cup’ package, please call the booking line on 01244 304 610. Ends