The Boodles May Festival 2025 at Chester Racecourse concluded after three thrilling days of racing action, held from May 7th to May 9th, 2025. Although the races have ended, the excitement and spectacle continue to resonate among fans and participants alike. The festival witnessed the rise of new champions, the results of rigorous training, and the display of excellent synergy between jockeys and horses. Trainers’ strategies were rewarded, and the outcomes reinforced their expertise and preparation. As the dust settles on the turf, it’s time to revisit the standout performances and highlight the winners who made headlines across the three days.
The opening day of the festival, known as Trials Day, featured seven exhilarating races. The action began with The Caa Stellar Lily Agnes EBF Conditions Stakes, which saw ALI SHUFFLE claim victory under jockey Sam James and trainer K. R. Burke. In the subsequent Handicap Stakes, REDORANGE emerged triumphant with Rossa Ryan in the saddle and Clive Cox guiding the training. A major highlight of the day was The Weatherbys ePassport Cheshire Oaks, where MINNIE HAUK, trained by the esteemed Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, secured a significant win. The Moore-O’Brien partnership continued their success as LAMBOURN took The Boodles Chester Vase Stakes, creating headlines with back-to-back victories. HAMMER THE HAMMER claimed the Love Federal Capital Handicap Stakes, guided by jockey Tom Eaves and trained by Kevin Ryan. In The Heineken Maiden Stakes, DAIQUIRI BAY broke its maiden under Tom Marquand and trainer Alan King. The day concluded with The Horseradish Catering & Events Handicap Stakes, won by PROBE, with Kieran O’Neill in the saddle and Jeannie Candlish as trainer.
The second day, traditionally known as Ladies Day, blended high fashion with high-level racing and once again featured seven compelling races. The day opened with The Caa Stellar Handicap Stakes, where ROMAN DRAGON prevailed, ridden by Oisin Murphy and trained by Hugo Palmer. The same jockey-trainer duo returned to the winner’s enclosure in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes with TRICKY TEL. Another impressive win followed in The Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes, where MOUNT KILIMANJARO delivered victory for the Moore-O’Brien team. They continued their dominance as ILLINOIS took the Stakes Race, giving them another successful moment. The Louise Keegan Handicap Stakes went to EL BURHAN, steered by Jim Crowley and trained by George Boughey. PADDY THE SQUIRE claimed victory in The Halliwell Jones Handicap Stakes under Warren Fentiman and trainer Ian Candlish. The final race of the day, The Oxford Natural Handicap Stakes, was won by LADY VIVIAN, piloted by Hector Crouch and trained by Ralph Beckett. Off the track, style and elegance took center stage with Melissa being crowned the winner of the Best Dressed competition, adding glamour to the festival.
The third and final day, Chester Cup Day, brought high stakes and thrilling conclusions. It began with The Caa Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap Stakes, where TWO TEMPTING took home the win under Rob Hornby, trained by Jonathan Portman. The Boodles Darley EBF Maiden Stakes was won by AL WASL STORM, guided by jockey David Probert and trained by Owen Burrows. THE FOXES secured the Stakes Race title for jockey Oisin Murphy and trainer Andrew Balding. The main event, The Chester Cup, spotlighted EAST INDIA DOCK as the champion, thanks to the efforts of jockey Harry Davies and trainer James Owen. The excitement continued with The Precision Facades Handicap Stakes, where LET’S DREAM, ridden by Warren Fentiman and trained by Michael Ball, emerged victorious. In The Xenon Workplace Apprentice Handicap Stakes, SMALL FRY stood out under Ashley Lewis, trained by Gary and Josh Moore. The festival ended with The Chester Plate Handicap Stakes, where GIBSIDE clinched the win, ridden by Duran Fentiman and trained by Tim Easterby.
The Boodles May Festival 2025 showcased outstanding racing, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable victories. Horses, jockeys, and trainers arrived at Chester with dreams of triumph, and for many, those dreams became reality. As the celebrations continue across stables and grandstands, eyes now turn to the next marquee event—The Roman Day—set to take place on May 31st, 2025.
