The sun shone as crowds flocked to the Roodee for two days of glamour and high-octane racing at the weekend.
Friday night was ladies and gents evening and was a momentous night for jockey Joanna Mason, from north Yorks, who rode Space War to victory in the first race of the night, The Abode Hotel Handicap Stakes, despite breaking her back in a fall just four months ago.
Joanna took to twitter to celebrate: “Great to be back with a winner yesterday. Still on cloud 9 #mended #winner #racing.”
Following a thrilling card of seven exciting races, the crowds gave generously to the course charity of the day, Action for A-T, which funds research into Ataxia-Telangiectasia, a rare degenerative childhood disease.
Charity bucket collectors at the exits raised £2000 in just over an hour from race-goers on their way home.
Saturday saw the return of the popular Corbett Sports City Plate Day. The crowd enjoyed a full card of seven exciting races.
Fundraiser Richard Farquhar also brought his incredible, charitable endeavor to the racecourse. Richard is walking across the UK, connecting all 60 of Britain’s racecourses on foot, from Yarmouth in the East to Ffos-Las in the West, covering 3,000 miles in a bid to raise £1.4million for Pancreatic Cancer UK and Racing Welfare, which provides help and support to racing staff in need.
Completing his Uttoxeter to Chester leg with a lap of Chester’s track, race-goers gave generously, donating almost £3,000 to bucket collectors on their way home.
Preparations are now underway at Chester Racecourse for another busy day of racing on Saturday, July 18, for the ITC Luxury Travel Summer Festival. Race-goers go head to head as they compete for the ITC Best Dressed title, with a top prize of a three-day holiday for two to Dubai courtesy of ITC Luxury Travel, British Airways and the One&Only Royal Mirage up for grabs. Gates open at 11.30am on Saturday.
To book your ticket call the box office on 01244 304 610 or buy online at www.chester-races.com
