Rain is a fact of life in Britain. With changing weather conditions that can create what the British call “four seasons in a day”, the risk of rain affecting a day at the races is always significant. Since racecourses are surfaced with grass, rain can have a significant impact, creating boggy conditions and even flooding.
On the other hand, British fans, used to the high probability of rain showers no matter the season, are hardy folk. Turning up in their suits and summer dresses whatever the weather, looking for a fun day out at the races.
So, despite a torrential downpour for almost an entire week of June, the organizers at Chester Racecourse were determined that the show must go on. Huge areas of the Roman city of Chester were flooded on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th June, putting into question the race day planned for the Saturday.
However, the rain didn’t put off the Chester race goers who instead braved the weather conditions to enjoy a day of racing around the Roodee course. Enjoying the beautiful surroundings, soaking up the atmosphere and placing bets on the 7 races that were held that weekend. Whilst many fans will have used the onsite bookmakers, others took advantage of free bet offers from online companies.
Race 1
The first race, the 2:10pm Lamb & Watt Novice Median Auction Stakes, was for class 4, 2-year-old horses. It was run over a distance of 6 furlongs and 17 yards, and saw 9 runners competing for the £10,765 prize money. The winner was Know No Limits, ridden by Richard Kingscote.
Race 2
The second race was the 2:40pm Whitley Neill Handcraft Gin Handicap Stakes, for class 2, 3-year old horses. At a longer distance than race one, the horses competed over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 63 yards for prize money of £30,160. 7 horses competed, with victory taken by Nicola Currie who was riding Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s horse, Durston.
Race 7
The final race of the day, was the 5:30pm Crabbie Whisky Handicap Stakes for class 4 horses that were at least 4 years or older. Another race of 1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 63 yards, riders competed for prize money of £11,067. Of the 9 horses entered, victory was taken by Super Kid and its jockey Jason Hart.
Despite the risk of a wash out, the Summer Saturday event at Chester Racecourse was a successful race meeting, with 7 races run throughout the afternoon. Rain is clearly not enough to put off British horse racing fans, with people flocking to Chester from across the North West of England and North Wales to attend.
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