Chester Races - which return tomorrow (Friday) with a ladies' evening and on Saturday with a midsummer meeting - are an absolute dream for photographers whether you are a professional cameraman or just an enthusiastic snapper.

You can be certain that at some point during the racing season, sporting stars from top teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool will arrive to soak up the atmosphere.

RELATED STORY:Race days through the years

One star who has played for both teams, Michael Owen, is still a regular but now it is due to the fact he is a successful racehorse owner.

Race meetings are also a major social occasion, especially on Ladies' Day and the fairer sex rarely lets us down when it comes to eye-catching outfits, including spectacular hats and some occasionally ill-advised footwear.

RELATED STORY:Seven things you didn't know about Chester Racecourse

The Chronicle has documented many of these moments over the years and in this picture special, we look back at some of the best images.

1. Football legends are a racing cert

Manchester United footballer Michael Owen chats with Sir Alex Ferguson as they watch the racing at Chester in May 2010

Michael Owen and Sir Alex Ferguson deep in conversation during the 2010 May Festival.

2. Crowded house

The Tattersalls in the foreground with the Dee Stand in the background at Chester Racecourse
The Tattersalls in the foreground with the Dee Stand in the background at Chester Racecourse

Extraordinary sight of Tattersalls packed to the rafters with racegoers.

3. A course with a view

Panoramic view of the home straight at Chester Racecourse on Saturday, September 26

This amazing panoramic shot shows why the Roodee is regarded as one of the country's most beautiful racecourses.

4. Glamour girl

Model and actress Charlotte Dawson. Photo by Ian Cooper

Charlotte Dawson, daughter of the late comedy legend Les Dawson, turned heads in this outfit at the 2015 meeting.

5. Bringing up the rear

There had to be one.... Charlotte Dawson on the end of a flashing from a over excited racegoer. Photo by Ian Cooper

Poor Charlotte got an eyeful herself during this unexpected moment captured by former Chronicle photographer Ian Cooper

6. The finishing line

Chester Races

There is no finer sight than racehorses making a sprint for the finish line at Chester Racecourse.

7. When United ruled

Manchester United teammates enjoy a day at Chester Races in May 2003

Flashback to 2003 when Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed a day at Chester Races.

8. Happy Birthday Ma'am

Queen Elizabeth visits Chester Races circa 1966

We couldn't leave out a picture of Queen Elizabeth II visiting Chester Racecourse in 1966 when she was celebrating her 40th birthday.

9. On the beach

Archie Gale of Hawarden tries out the giant deckchair on the pop up beach at Chester Racecourse
Archie Gale of Hawarden tries out the giant deckchair on the pop up beach at Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse tried a beach theme at one of its recent meetings, much to the delight of Archie Gale of Hawarden.

10. Dressed to thrill

Jenny Ramsey was the winner of last year's ITC Luxury Travel best dressed competition at the July meeting at Chester Racecourse.

11. The big day

A bride and her wedding party on the lawn at Chester Racecourse Grosvenor Shopping Centre's Ladies Evening

A bride and her wedding party on the lawn at Chester Racecourse Grosvenor Shopping Centre's Ladies Evening

12. Weather warning

Brollies are up for the Boodles May Festival at Chester Racecourse
Brollies are up for the Boodles May Festival at Chester Racecourse

Sometimes one of the most vital parts of an outfit for attending Chester Races is a brolly.

13. Read all about it

Rhiannon Bevan, Sallie Ehlen and Cathy Chaloner from the Chester Chronicle heading out to Chester Races
Rhiannon Bevan, Sallie Ehlen and Cathy Chaloner from the Chester Chronicle heading out to Chester Races

Rhiannon Bevan, Sallie Ehlen and Cathy Chaloner from the Chester Chronicle heading out to Chester Races in 2013.

14. When in Rome

Roman chariot races

A chariot mishap during the Roman Day at Chester Racecourse in 2014.

15. Celebrity couple

Wayne and Coleen Rooney
Wayne and Coleen Rooney

Wayne and Coleen Rooney are regulars at the Roodee for Chester Races.