Racegoers were geed up for an action packed day of sunshine and racing at Chester Racecourse on Saturday for the Stella Artois sponsored Summer Festival.
More than 23,000 punters filled the County enclosures, The Winning Post and Tattersalls, which were all sold out, and a large number of racegoers purchased tickets on the day for both the Dee Stand and the Open Course.
It was a successful day for jockey and trainer team Rob Hornby and Andrew Balding, with winners in the third and fifth race. Tom Marquand also had a triumphant day as he took home his first win at Chester on Northern Thunder in the first race. Successive wins came for Tadhg O’Shea on Ionization, Jason Hart on Blithe Spirit and Martin Harley on Marengo.
Racegoers entered a competition to win a luxury holiday for two at the Princesa Yaiza Resort, Lanzarote and a winner will announced this week.
Youngsters enjoyed free activities on the Open Course including a giant inflatable slide, bungee trampolines, a giant bouncy castle and a soft play enclosure.
The next raceday is just around the bend, with the 21st annual Family Funday taking place this Sunday (July 31) which will see 40,000 tonnes of sand brought in for a pop-up beach with donkey rides, face painting, the return of Titan the giant slide and live entertainment – all free of charge for kids.
What’s more, there will be live performances from local dance troupe Razzamataz, famed for appearing on Dragon’s Den and a special guest appearance from local Wirral boys, musical duo - The Mac Bros, who shot to fame appearing in season four of The Voice.
Elsewhere on the course, Racecourse Partners, MBNA will be hosting a junior football tournament in the Parade Ring between Liverpool FC and Chester FC. The action kicks off at 12.30pm and the teams will be looking for racegoers to support and cheer them on before racing starts. Supporters will also get the chance to meet Official Liverpool FC mascot Mighty Red!
Race Sponsors, The Lowry are bringing their own special guest in the form of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Racegoers will be encouraged to have their photograph taken with the famous car and share via Social Media using #ChittyAtTheRaces for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show at The Lowry, Salford in December. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be appearing in the Paddock area next to the Parade Ring.
Last but not least, Merseyrail, Chester’s rail partner, will be cooling racegoers down with complimentary ice lollies around the course – in addition to providing cost saving rail travel home!
Tickets are just £12 on the Open Course and children under 17 go free.
The car park on the Roodee will be open from 8am and gates on the Open Course are also open early, from 9am. The remainder of gates across the course will be open from 11.30am and the first race commences at 2.10pm.
Visit www.chester-races.com or call the box office on 01244 304610 for tickets.
