Chester Racecourse: The Roodee, May Festival and Betting Guide
The Roodee is the oldest racecourse still in use, with racing going back to 1539. It is a tight, turning track right next to the city walls. Here are the big races, the history, how to get there and how betting works on course.
Biggest races at Chester
Chester races on about 15 days a year, from May to September.
The May Festival
- Three days in early May
- Chester Cup (about 2m 2f handicap)
- Chester Vase and Ormonde Stakes (Group 3s)
- Huxley Stakes (Group 2), Dee Stakes and Cheshire Oaks
Summer racing
- Racedays through June, July, August and September
- Racing next to the city walls
Betting tip
- A low draw is a big advantage, even over longer trips
- Prominent racers tend to do best on the tight bends
Chester facts and history
Nearly 500 years on the Roodee.
The track
Chester is a left-handed, tight and sharp track of just over a mile, on the turn almost all the way round. The home straight is only 239 yards, so there is little time to make up ground.
A low draw is a major advantage, even over middle distances and especially in big fields. Horses that race prominently tend to do best.
Getting to Chester
By train
Chester station is about a 20-minute walk, or around 6 minutes by taxi.
By road
Use the M53, M56, M6 or A483, then follow Sealand Road. For sat-nav, the course suggests CH1 4LD.
Parking on the Open Course costs £12 per car.
Betting at Chester
Chester runs its own Tote and has bookmakers in every enclosure.
On your phone
Your usual app works on course just as it does at home. On big days, set your account up, verify it and add funds before you travel, so you can bet straight away.
Compare the odds in the app with the boards in the ring before you bet. The best price is not always in the same place.
On course
Tote positions around the course take cash, UK debit cards and mobile pay, with a £2 minimum stake. The Tote Guarantee applies to Win bets and the win part of each-way bets.
Independent bookmakers stand in every enclosure. There is no longer an on-course betting shop. Read our guide to betting at the racecourse for more.
Betting on your phone at the track?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store and Google Play ratings.
Chester FAQs
Where is Chester Racecourse?
Chester Racecourse, the Roodee, is next to the city walls in Chester, CH1 2LY. For sat-nav the course suggests CH1 4LD.
Is Chester the oldest racecourse?
Yes. Chester dates from 1539 and Guinness World Records lists it as the oldest racecourse still in operation.
Is there a draw bias at Chester?
Yes. A low draw is a major advantage at Chester, especially in big fields, because the track is so tight.
Can you pay by card on the Tote at Chester?
Yes. Tote positions take cash, UK debit cards and mobile pay, with a £2 minimum stake.
Is there a betting shop at Chester Racecourse?
No. Chester no longer has an on-course betting shop, but there are bookmakers in every enclosure.
When is the Chester May Festival?
The May Festival is three days in early May and includes the Chester Cup.
Sources: Chester Races: getting here · Chester Races: betting · Chester Races: history · Wikipedia: Chester Racecourse. Facts checked October 2026; fixtures and travel details can change, so check with the course before you go.
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org