Plan Your Day
Fri 11 Sep 2026
The Virgin Bet Autumn Festival Friday
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The Virgin Bet Autumn Festival Friday
Fall in love with Chester Races
Dust off your tweed and join us on Friday 11th 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.
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
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.
Highlights
Get ready to unleash your inner champion! Step into an immersive experience packed with fun, friendly competition, and the chance to win exciting prizes. It’s time to put your racing skills to the test.
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.
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.
Racecard
Racecard coming soon.
Raceday FAQs
Got a question about your raceday? Don’t have a MARE – just check out our handy FAQs.
View all FAQsView all FAQsWe 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
We might be switching things up with our dress code for the 2026 season — keep an eye out closer to the time for the latest info!
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.
Need to clue up on the racing track info? Head over to the individual raceday page and find the latest updates there.
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!
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.