Races ‘behind closed doors’ named in tribute of those keeping Chester Together

Chester Racecourse has announced it will name the races of its first racing fixture of the season in homage to some of the many who have worked hard to keep the city together - and the campaigns that will help to boost the city’s fortunes in the foreseeable future.

Taking prime spot at 6.30pm on the Monday 10 August running order is The #ChesterTogether Queensferry Stakes race, honouring the campaign by CH1ChesterBID that linked consumers and city businesses over lockdown to offer information about how and where to shop or buy essentials.

Other races honouring Chester campaigns and charities include the Simple Pleasures campaign run by Destination Chester, to highlight to staycationers the simple joys a visit to Chester can hold, Storyhouse who were the first theatre in the country to open post lockdown as a service to the community and the Eat Out to Help Out campaign, the government initiative to kickstart the hospitality sector.

Carl Critchlow, manager at CH1ChesterBID said: ‘We are so delighted to see the Chester Together campaign recognised. We needed to be able to communicate the status of our businesses to the customers quickly over the lockdown period – which we did through a virtual city map and communication through our networks. It has brought a synergy never seen before between high street businesses and their customers – and through it we saw a real surge towards supporting local and an emphasis on saving the high street. We have been thoroughly heartened by the community groups, businesses and individuals that have worked so hard to get Chester back on its feet.

He added: ‘The racecourse has been an instrumental force in welcoming visitors back to the city through their free parking scheme at Linenhall and the Racecourse. Their generosity is a reflection of the way the whole city centre has pulled together over these challenging times.’

Richard Thomas, Chief Executive at Chester Race Company said: ‘We wanted to use this opportunity to link some of the partners and charities we have worked closely with at our first racing behind closed doors fixture, by highlighting some of the fantastic campaigns and initiatives they have tirelessly worked on throughout this period of uncertainty.

‘We hope the coverage will encourage interest in each of the nominees and the ongoing work that’s happening to bring our community and the general public back into the city.’