Inaugurated 1824 Sponsor Betway Distance 2m 2f 147y (3,755 m) | Race type Flat / Thoroughbred Website Chester | |
Location Chester Racecourse
Chester, England | ||
The Chester Cup is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 147 yards (3,755 metres) at Chester in May.
Contents
History
The event was established in 1824, and it was originally called the Tradesmen's Cup. It was initially a limited handicap with a minimum weight of 8 st 2 lb.
For a period the race was known as the Tradesmen's Plate. During this time it was open to horses aged three or older.
The race was renamed the Chester Trades' Cup in 1874. From this point it was often referred to as the Chester Cup, and that became its usual title in 1884.
The Chester Cup was formerly contested over 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 77 yards. It was abandoned in 1969, and extended by 20 yards in 1970.
The distance of the race was changed to 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 117 yards in 1992. It was increased to its present length in 1994.
Online sportsbook Betway took over sponsorship of the race for the 2015 renewal with the option to continue backing it for several more years.
Winners since 1975
a The 1983 running was abandoned because of a waterlogged course.