Boodles May Festival Trials Day - Chester Racecourse

Boodles May Festival Trials Day For The Champions of Tomorrow

The curtain rises on a thrilling new season of racing excellence – and you’re invited to be part of it.

Join us on Wednesday 6th May for the return of the prestigious Boodles May Festival Trials Day, a fixture that sees top owners and trainers showcase rising champions.

Experience the running of The Cheshire Oaks, a trial for the Epsom Oaks for fillies and The Chester Vase, one of two trials run at the meeting for the Epsom Derby.

And after a sensational 2025 Trials Day, anticipation for 2026 is already building. Last season, we saw Minnie Hauk land the Chester Oaks and then storm on to victory in the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks. Meanwhile, Lambourn stormed away from his rivals to win the Chester Vase, then powered to triumph in the Epsom Derby.

This is not just racing – it’s the unveiling of greatness.

Schedule

Gates open

11:30 am

The Going

Information will be available two weeks prior to the event.

Weather

Information will be available two weeks prior to the event.

Tickets & Packages Find your Experience

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Highlights

The Cheshire Oaks

A race steeped in history, The Cheshire Oaks is open to three-year-old fillies and serves as a trial for the Epsom Oaks.

Our 2025 champion, Minnie Hauk, didn’t just win – she dominated. She first seized victory in the Cheshire Oaks, then stormed through the competition to claim the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, and Yorkshire Oaks, claiming her status as a true racing superstar.

The Chester Vase

Move over fillies! It’s time for the colts & geldings to step up the plate for the Chester Vase – one of two trials run at the meeting for the Epsom Derby.

Legendary Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien holds the record for the most wins in this race, boasting an impressive eleven victories. His latest triumph came with Lambourn, who not only claimed the Chester Vase but went on to conquer the Epsom Derby itself.

Draw for the Chester Cup

Whether drawn on the inside, outside, or centre of the field, the draw for the Chester Cup can play a vital role in the outcome of our big race of the year! Racing out of Stall 3 when beaten a neck in 2023, Zoffee exacted his revenge when landing the plum draw in Stall 1 on his way to taking the 2024 running of the Chester Cup.

Racecard

Racecard coming soon.

Raceday FAQs

Got a question about your raceday? Don’t have a MARE – just check out our handy FAQs.

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What Should I Wear?

We want you to feel fabulous in whatever you wear on a raceday but we do have certain dress codes for each enclosure. Lucky for you, we have a guide which tells you the yays or neighs!

Dress Code – Chester Racecourse

How Do The Enclosures Differ?

A relaxed family day out, a fun-filled outing with friends or a racing focussed experience – whatever you come the races for, we’ve got enclosures to suit your needs.

Where Can I Find The Going Report?

Need to clue up on the racing track info? Head over to the individual raceday page and find the latest updates there.

Can Children Attend?

You bet they can and even better – children aged 17 and under go FREE! For general admission areas, no ticket is required but for hospitality areas, a pre-booked child ticket is needed. To do this, simply email hospitality@chester-races.com.

*Please note – children are not allowed in The Garden or Winning Post Enclosures – this is where the grown ups let their hair down!

Which Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

We’re cashless (apart from the bookmakers) For all your drinks and tasty nibbles, we accept all major debit/credit cards and Apple/Android Pay. For placing bets, cash can be used with our on-course bookmakers.

Plan Your Day Your Guide

You’ve bought your tickets, woohoo! – now it’s time to plan your visit. So you can get a gallop on, we’ve created a handy little guide to help your day run smoothly.

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Don your best fascinators, frocks and fedoras and embrace your inner fashionista.

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Planes, trains and automobiles! Find the best way to get to Chester Racecourse.

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Don’t get lost on a raceday! Use our handy racecourse map to get from A to B.

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You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Find everything you need to know right here.

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Check out our policies and services available to racegoers with accessibility needs.