For The Love of Racing
As the curtain closes on a stand out 2026 racing season, Chester Races’ brand partners look back on a memorable year on the Roodee
The 2026 season at Chester Races delivered exceptional sporting highlights from start to finish.
The action kicked off with three spectacular days of racing at the Boodles May Festival (6 - 8 May), where Chester favourite Lambourn making a triumphant return to action in the Deepbridge Huxley Stakes to secure a coveted place in the $1 Million Dollar Manhattan Stakes.
Families flocked to Roman Day on 30 May where the Open Course came alive with thrilling Roman stunt shows, gladiator boot camps and interactive workshops. Later in the summer, the Family Fun Day on 2 August delivered an afternoon of live racing alongside fairground rides, live music and a family-friendly rave hosted by Raver Tots.
Another key highlight came on 3 July as teams from Boodles, Birra Moretti, Laurent-Perrier and Chester battled it out at Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup, with Birra Moretti ultimately taking home the coveted silverware.
The season concluded in style with two days of world-class racing at The Virgin Bet Autumn Festival (11 - 12 September), followed by a thrilling Season Finale on 19 September.
Throughout the year, Chester Racecourse enjoyed the support of exceptional partners, who share their favourite moments from an unforgettable season.
Heineken
“We are delighted to have continued our partnership with The Chester Race Company into the second year of our deal. Once the season starts it certainly feels like the race meetings come thick and fast and are always completely oversubscribed with requests from our colleagues and customers to attend. The quality of the facility and hospitality are second to none and it’s incredible how many of our guests reach out to us after attending to comment on their day being some of the best experiences they have ever been to.
For me, Family Fun Day was a highlight and it was great to see the course so busy and seeing the business give back to the local community and embrace the next generation of racegoers! Also I want to highlight the Boodles Roodee Challenge Cup, which again, was first class from start to finish with ourselves and guests having a very premium experience. It’s always a pleasure to see our premium brands pouring and being enjoyed by your guests and we are delighted to continue our partnership.”
- Sam Evans, Customer Development Director – North West
MBNA
“The MBNA Community Investment Programme has been working alongside Chester Racecourse for 16 years to create memorable experiences for local charities and the families they support. Through events such as Family Fun Day, Roman Day and the Lord Mayor's Fireworks Extravaganza, we've helped people enjoy days out that might not otherwise have been possible.
For us, it's about making opportunities like these accessible to everyone. Spending time together and making happy memories as a family is something everyone should be able to do, and we're proud to play a small part in making that happen.”
- Vicky Dawd, MBNA Community Investment Manager
KingKabs
“KingKabs is proud to have been part of another fantastic race season at Chester Racecourse. From the excitement of the racing to the outstanding hospitality and atmosphere, every event has been a pleasure to be part of. Our partnership has provided a great opportunity to connect with the racegoers and the local community. It is also the perfect setting to bring our team together, and we are delighted to have chosen a summer race evening for our annual staff outing. We're incredibly proud to be associated with the world's oldest racecourse and one of the region's most iconic venues.
We'd like to thank the entire Chester Racecourse team for their continued support and collaboration throughout the season, both on social media and at the racecourse. We look forward to seeing the season end on a high.”
- Karen Long, Regional General Manager
Specialist Holidays
"Chester Racecourse has been a valued partner of ours for almost a decade, and it's a relationship we've thoroughly enjoyed being part of. The atmosphere, events and racing throughout the season are always first class, and our competitions continue to generate huge interest and excitement amongst entrants every week. We look forward to being involved for many years to come and are proud to support one of Cheshire's most iconic institutions."
- Andrew Botterill, Executive Chairman
Excell Supply
"Our partnership with Chester Racecourse has been a fantastic experience this season. The race days have provided an excellent platform to connect with clients and guests while enjoying the unique atmosphere that Chester consistently delivers. We've been impressed by the professionalism of the team and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a prestigious sporting and social calendar."
- Jon Everall, Director
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