The Virgin Bet Autumn Festival Friday

The Virgin Bet Autumn Festival Friday Fall in love with Chester Races

Dust off your tweed and join us on Friday 12th September as we say hello to the first day of the Virgin Bet Autumn Festival.

This raceday is the perfect opportunity to experience Chester in its full autumnal glory and of course, witness thrilling racing from start to finish. There’s nothing quite like a crisp day out where you can cheer your favourites past the winning post.

It’s also one of the last times you’ll have to visit Chester races before the 2025 season ends.

*Please note: The Open Course will be closed for this fixture.

Schedule

Gates open

11:30 am

First race

1:40 pm

Last race

4:55 pm

The Going

Available approximately two weeks before the race day.

Weather

Available approximately two weeks before the race day.

Tickets & Packages Find your Experience

We pride ourselves on not being just a one trick pony! So let us take the reins and show you what experiences are waiting for you.

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Racecard

1:40 pm

THE VIRGIN BET EVERY SATURDAY MONEY BACK EBF RESTRICTED NOVICE STAKES

Group

Class: 5 | Age: 2

Distance

6f 17y

Prize

£15,000

2:10 pm

THE ESL EXPORT RESTRICTED NOVICE STAKES

Group

Class: 4 | Age: 3-5

Distance

7f 1y

Prize

£18,000

2:45 pm

THE XENON WORKPLACE HANDICAP STAKES

Group

Class: 4 | Age: 3

Distance

1m 6f 87y

Prize

£18,000

3:20 pm

THE VIRGIN BET SUPPORTS SAFE GAMBLING HANDICAP STAKES

Group

Class: 4 | Age: 3+

Distance

7f 1y

Prize

£20,000

3:50 pm

THE DEEPBRIDGE CAPITAL FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES

Group

Class: 5 | Age: 3+

Distance

7f 1y

Prize

£15,000

4:20 pm

THE MATTHEW CLARK HANDICAP STAKES

Group

Class: 5 | Age: 3+

Distance

1m 7f 196y

Prize

£15,000

4:55 pm

THE LIVESCORE BET HANDICAP STAKES

Group

Class: 5 | Age: 3+

Distance

6f 17y

Prize

£15,000

Highlights

Have A Go At Being A Jockey

Get ready to unleash your inner jockey! Test your skills with our state-of-the-art equiziers, Jockey Cam Virtual Reality headsets, and challenge your strength in our grip competition for a chance to win thrilling prizes.

Something For Everyone

From our exclusive PARADE Hospitality package with a signature cocktail and a four-course fine dining menu, to relaxed picnics in the Roodee enclosure, there’s something that ticks everyone’s box.

Lead Booker Goes Free

Don’t forget – the lead book goes FREE in Roodee, Tattersalls and County Concourse enclosures when attending in a group of 10 or more.

Because let’s be honest… if you’ve managed to get 10 people together for a day at the races, you deserve a treat. Possibly a medal. Definitely a free ticket.

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.

styler Dress Code chevron_right

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

train Travel & Parking chevron_right

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

map_search Racecourse Map chevron_right

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

help FAQs chevron_right

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

accessible Accessibility chevron_right

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