The landmark total underlines the continued strength and prestige of the two-mile plus contest, the centrepiece of the Boodles May Festival.

Run for the first time in 1824, the Ladbrokes Chester Cup has long been an iconic staying handicap in the British racing calendar. Its roll of honour includes legendary names such as Sea Pigeon, who had back-to-back wins in 1977 and 1978, as well as more recent scorers including Falcon Eight (2021), Metier (2022) and East India Dock (2025). The race continues to attract high-class performers and progressive stayers alike.

Of the 86 entries, 63 are trained in Great Britain, with a significant Irish contingent of 23 runners, highlighting the race’s growing international appeal. Ireland’s challenge is led by A. J. Martin, who has entered 10 horses, and Joseph O’Brien with eight. Multiple champion trainer Willie Mullins is also represented with two entries, alongside entries from Karl Thornton, Adrian McGuinness and Andrew Kinirons.

Among the leading British-trained contenders is Alsakib, now with dual Chester Cup winning trainer Donald McCain. Previously trained by Andrew Balding, Alsakib is the highest-rated UK flat horse in the race and a previous winner at Chester, as well as a recent hurdles scorer at Musselburgh. Balding himself fields five entries, matching the tally of last year’s winning trainer James Owen, although his 2025 winner will not return to defend the crown.

The Irish-trained Alphonse Le Grande heads a strong group of runners with proven stamina credentials, having landed both the Chester Plate and Cesarewitch Handicap in 2024. Stablemate Hamsiyann, runner-up in the Plate, is also entered, while Blue Starr Racing’s Alther Walden brings high-class staying form through last year’s runner-up Caballo De Mar, who went on to claim Group honours in Germany and France.

Patrick Chesters, Racing Director at Chester Racecourse said:

“To reach a record 86 entries for the Chester Cup is a fantastic result and a real testament to the strength and reputation of the race. The level of interest we’ve seen this year, particularly from Ireland, shows just how competitive and respected the contest has become.

“What’s especially pleasing is the depth and quality across the entries. We’ve got proven course performers, high-class flat horses, and exciting dual-purpose runners all coming together, which is exactly what the Chester Cup is renowned for. It promises to be an incredibly competitive race and a real highlight of the Boodles May Festival.”

Course form is a key theme throughout this year’s entries. Call My Bluff boasts an exceptional Chester record, having never finished outside the places in four starts, while Spirit Mixer is another track specialist with four course wins, including back-to-back victories in the Watergate Cup. Mr Escobar and Tashkhan also bring strong Chester credentials, alongside 2025 Chester Plate winner Gibside.

With a record number of entries, the 2026 Ladbrokes Chester Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in the race’s long history.

In addition to the Ladbrokes Chester Cup, this year’s Boodles May Festival will also showcase Chester Racecourse’s landmark international partnership with the New York Racing Association (NYRA). As part of the “Win and You’re In” initiative, winners of the Ormonde Stakes will earn a guaranteed entry into the Belmont Gold Cup, while winners of the Huxley Stakes will secure a place in the prestigious Manhattan Stakes in New York. The partnership creates a new transatlantic pathway for owners and trainers and further elevates the Festival’s growing international profile.