Chester Race Company to Supplement Prize Money Across Racecourse Group in August

Chester Race Company has today announced a prize money boost to August fixtures behind closed doors across its racecourse group. Bangor-on-Dee, Chester and Musselburgh will all benefit from an increase in prize money values across every race at five fixtures.

As the racing behind closed doors is making a contribution at large and small courses, a combined increase of £76,000 will be available to owners this month. It is hoped that the increase in prize money levels will incentivise owners to enter runners and offset some of the losses incurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

All three tracks hold the ROA Gold Standard for owners’ experience, with Chester and Musselburgh current title holders of the ROA large and small racecourse of the year respectively. Whilst COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the racing industry, the race company has expressed a commitment to deliver a continued ‘Gold Standard’ racing experience for its visiting owners.

In addition to the increased prize money available, owners can expect a five-star welcome reception and the following personalised experience from each course:

Bangor-on-Dee:

Four badges per horse, complimentary drinks and lunch, unobstructed views around the track plus big screen viewing, access to Owners Zone with socially distanced de-brief area adjacent to Parade Ring, winner’s presentation with mementos of the day and Champagne.

Chester:

Four badges per horse, arrival cocktail and three course choice menu in 1539 Restaurant and Bar, panoramic views of the racecourse, Parade Ring area access, winner’s presentation on the roof of 1539 with mementos, complimentary bottle of Champagne delivered to winners table.

Musselburgh:

Four badges per runner, Champagne reception on arrival, selection of salad and sandwiches or hot meal followed by locally sourced desserts in the Queens Stand, access to the Queens Lawn and Parade Ring steppings for race de-brief, winner’s presentation with Musselburgh branded Scottish themed prize, nibbles box to take away for the journey home.

The August fixtures behind closed doors across the Chester Race Company group of racecourses is as follows:

Monday 10 August – Chester

Friday 14 August – Chester

Thursday 20 August – Chester

Tuesday 25 August – Bangor-on-Dee

Wednesday 26 August – Musselburgh

All aforementioned fixtures will operate behind closed doors and are not open to the general public.

Chief Executive of Chester Race Company, Richard Thomas, said:

“The impact felt by COVID-19 has resonated across our industry and nowhere more so than amongst our owners. In acknowledging the disruption caused, we have demonstrated a commitment to our visiting owners by increasing our prize money values across the group for August, in addition to providing the very best racing experience we can across three our tracks. We hope this will provide some comfort to visiting owners and whilst we navigate the next few weeks and months, we assure owners we have their very best interests at heart.”