Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse, commonly known as the Roodee, is officially recorded as the oldest still-in-use racecourse in England, with a history dating back to the early 16th century. Chester Racecourse is also considered the smallest racecourse of significant importance over the one-mile (1.8 km) course in England.

The site of Chester Racecourse is the birthplace of the infamous and violent medieval football game known as Shrove Tuesday or "Goteddsday." This brutal sport was banned by the city of Chester in 1553; horse racing took its place in 1539. The racecourse’s location within the city makes Chester Racecourse events highly popular, as they are just a short walk from nearby hotels, bars, shops, and restaurants. From the ancient Roman walls that surround Chester, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the racecourse. The track is just over 1 mile (1.6 km) long, featuring wide, flat green turf, and races are run in an anti-clockwise direction. A key feature of the course is its short and straight home straight—measuring just 239 yards—which allows horses with a long stride to perform at their best.

On the 11th day of the 2012 London Olympics Torch Relay, a celebratory event was held at Chester Racecourse. Jason Maguire, a 31-year-old jockey who won the 2011 Ballabriggs Grand National, carried the final torch and circled the track before lighting the celebration cauldron, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Chester Racecourse

Must-visit reason: The oldest still-in-use racecourse in England

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Cheshire [Cheshire]

City where the attraction is located: Chester [Chester]