The oldest running horse racing venue in the world, Chester Racecourse is a historic landmark in the heart of the city.
Recently it honoured Chester’s Roman past with an immersive event designed for all ages to appreciate. Dubbed “Roman Day”, the successful returning event saw 17,000 racegoers attend.
Offering an abundance of family-friendly fun, the Roodee’s Open Course was abuzz with children and their parents enjoying activities and spectacles. These included gladiator boot camps, stunt shows featuring skilled performers in authentic Roman uniforms and armour, themed arts and crafts and interactive learning experiences.
In the run up to the event, a Roman soldier walked the streets of Chester handing out 200 golden tickets. Each ticket gave the recipient a chance to win free entry to the coveted County Concourse or Tattersall enclosure on Roman Day. Many city residents and visitors posted pictures of themselves with the legionary on social media, spreading word of the epic event.
Aside from the historical entertainment, the Roman fixture also offered first class flat racing action on the track. Irish star jockey Oisin Murphy, on Machadadorp, won The Chester Roman Day Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, while David Nolan rode Virtuous Star to victory in The British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes. Evertease won the KingKabs Selling Stakes, while Believitanduncan claimed The Louise Keegan Handicap Stakes.
Many local charities attended the race event including Koala NW, NW Superkids and Cheshire Young Carers, supported by the Chester Racecourse and MBNA partnership.