The Boodles May Festival has returned in style once again at Chester Racecourse, promising three days of thrilling racing from May 7th to May 9th, 2025. With today’s temperature at a comfortable 16°C, the course is set for an exciting opening. The action kicks off with Trials Day on May 7th, a fixture that sets the tone for the rest of the festival. Owners and trainers will showcase their promising horses, looking to make an early impact, especially in key trials for the prestigious Epsom Oaks and Epsom Derby.
One of the feature races of the day is the Cheshire Oaks, a crucial trial for fillies aiming for the Epsom Oaks. Also on the card is the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes, a major trial for the Epsom Derby. These races often shine a spotlight on rising stars, making Trials Day a must-watch for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
Gates open at 11:30 AM, with the first race scheduled for 1:30 PM and the last at 4:45 PM. A total of seven races will be held. The day begins with The CAA Stellar Lily Agnes EBF Conditions Stakes, a Class 2 race run over 5 furlongs and 15 yards with a prize of £50,000. At 2:05 PM, attention turns to a Class 3 Handicap Stakes also run over 5 furlongs and 15 yards, with £30,000 up for grabs.
At 2:35 PM, the much-anticipated Cheshire Oaks takes center stage. This Class 1 contest is run over 1 mile, 3 furlongs and 75 yards, offering a prize of £120,000. The 2024 edition was won by Forest Fairy, with Rossa Ryan aboard and trained by Ralph Beckett at Kimpton Down. At 3:05 PM comes the day’s other feature event, the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes. A Class 1 race covering 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 63 yards, it carries a £140,000 prize. In 2024, Hidden Law claimed victory under William Buick for trainer Charlie Appleby.
At 3:40 PM, a Class 3 Handicap Stakes over 6 furlongs and 17 yards will be contested for £30,000. This is followed at 4:10 PM by a Class 3 Maiden Stakes over 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 70 yards, with a prize of £25,000. The final race of the day is a Class 3 Handicap Stakes over 7 furlongs and 1 yard, also offering £25,000.
Chester Racecourse delivers an exceptional racing experience, rooted in centuries of history. Recognized by Guinness World Records in 2019 as the world’s oldest operational racecourse, dating back to 1539, Chester has remained a cornerstone of British horse racing. Hosting iconic events like the Chester Cup, Chester Vase, Ormonde Stakes, Cheshire Oaks, and Dee Stakes, the venue offers an unmissable atmosphere for fans and professionals alike. Trials Day marks the beginning of another chapter in Chester’s racing legacy. See you at the races!
