[3] According to legend the cross marks the burial site of a statue of the Virgin Mary sentenced to hang after causing the death of Lady Trawst, the wife of the Governor of Hawarden.

The site was formerly the home of the original Chester Midsummer Watch Parade, temporarily banned by Oliver Cromwell but finally abolished in 1677.

The east of the race course abuts directly onto Chester's ancient city walls which were once used to moor Roman trading vessels, before the course of the river changed.

The first recorded race was held on 9 February 1539 (although other sources list this as 10 January 1511[7] and some as 1512[3]) with the consent of the Mayor Henry Gee, whose name led to the use of the term "gee-gee" for horses.

[2] Races originally took place on Goteddsday (Shrove Tuesday) until 1609, and thereafter on St George's Day, both major festivals during the medieval period.

The racecourse's position in the city makes race meetings at Chester very popular as it is only a very short stroll to all the hotels, bars, shopping and restaurants.

Chester Racecourse has continually evolved to meet the needs and desires of modern racing fans, blending its rich history with a forward-thinking approach.

This year, the venue hosts a diverse range of events, including the prestigious May Festival, the Chester Cup, and Ladies Day, offering a blend of thrilling races, fashion, and entertainment.

In addition to horse racing, the racecourse grounds serve as a venue for various other events throughout the year, including concerts, food festivals, and outdoor cinema screenings.

Chester Racecourse has also broadened its culinary offerings, catering to a wide range of tastes from casual street food to fine dining experiences.