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 (3,749 metres) at Chester in May.

Chester Cup
Handicap race
LocationChester Racecourse
Chester, Cheshire, England
Inaugurated1824
Race typeFlat / Thoroughbred
SponsorThe Tote
WebsiteChester
Race information
Distance2m 2f 140y (3,749m)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationFour-years-old and up
WeightHandicap
Purse£151,080 (2022)
1st: £77,310
Chester Cup
2023
Orange, beige epaulets and star on cap Black and light blue (quartered), black sleeves, white cap Light blue, yellow cross of lorraine, white sleeves, yellow armlets, yellow cap
Metier Zoffee Call My Bluff
Previous years
2022
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap White, emerald green hoops, dark blue sleeves and cap Orange, pink epaulets
Cleveland Coltrane Rajinsky
2021
Black, white sleeves, red cap, black star Royal blue, orange hoop and armlets, hooped cap Royal blue, light green epaulets
Falcon Eight The Grand Visir Hochfeld
2020-2011
2019
Orange, yellow star, royal blue sleeves, yellow stars, royal blue cap, yellow star White, red seams, red and white quartered cap Purple, yellow chevron, yellow cap
Making Miracles Who Dares Wins Whiskey Sour
2018
Grey, beige star, grey sleeves, beige stars and stars on cap Mcalpine tartan, rose pink armlets and cap White, red seams, red and white quartered cap
Magic Circle Fun Mac Who Dares Wins
2017
Mauve, light blue cross belts White, light green stars, hooped sleeves and stars on cap Mcalpine tartan, rose pink armlets and cap
Montaly Yorkidding Fun Mac
2016
Pink, emerald green chevron, halved sleeves, quartered cap Grey, purple chevrons, purple and grey hooped cap Purple, yellow cross of lorraine, yellow cap
No Heretic Nakeeta Silver Concorde
2015
Dark blue, red epaulets, armlets and cap Emerald green, yellow sleeves, white cap, yellow spots Purple, yellow cross of lorraine, yellow cap
Trip To Paris Quick Jack Zafayan
2014
Grey, beige star, grey sleeves, beige stars, royal blue cap Grey, beige star, grey sleeves, beige stars, red cap Dark green, red cross belts, hooped sleeves, red cap
Suegioo Angel Gabrial Communicator
2013
Grey, beige star, grey sleeves, beige stars, royal blue cap Emerald green, white hoop, chevrons on sleeves, white cap Dark blue, pink cross of lorraine and cap
Address Unknown Ingleby Spirit Tominator
2012
Grey, black epaulets, armlets and cap Yellow, royal blue seams, grey sleeves, royal blue seams, royal blue cap Dark green, red cap, dark green diamond
Ile De Re Overturn Gulf of Naples
2011
Yellow, royal blue seams, grey sleeves, royal blue seams, royal blue cap Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Purple, yellow star and armlets
Overturn Tastahil Mystery Star
2010-2001
2010
Dark blue, yellow cross belts, collar and cuffs, striped cap Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap White, purple cross of lorraine, emerald green sleeves, purple armlets, emerald green and white hooped cap
Mamlook Tastahil Halla San
2009
Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap White, purple cross of lorraine, emerald green sleeves, purple armlets, emerald green and white hooped cap
Daraahem Ajaan Halla San
2008
Grey, beige star, grey sleeves, beige stars and stars on cap Yellow, black epaulets Dark Green and Orange check, White sleeves and cap
Bulwark Som Tala Tilt
2007
Light Blue, Royal Blue braces, Royal Blue cap Black and light blue (quartered), black sleeves, white cap Dark blue, emerald green hoop, quartered cap
Greenwich Meantime Fair Along Enjoy The Moment
2006
Pink, white hoops, pink sleeves and cap Dark blue and maroon (quartered), white sleeves Light Blue, Royal Blue braces, Royal Blue cap
Admiral Vinando Greenwich Meantime
2005
Yellow, black sash, white sleeves, black and white quartered cap Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Khaki, Dark Green cap
Anak Pekan Swift Sailor Contact Dancer
2004
Yellow, black sash, white sleeves, black and white quartered cap Blue, yellow hoop, yellow sleeves, blue armlets, quartered cap Yellow, blue diabolo and armlets, quartered cap
Anak Pekan Misternando Big Moment
2003
Maroon, Beige triple diamond, sleeves and diamond on cap Yellow, blue diabolo and armlets, quartered cap Red and yellow diamonds, black sleeves, yellow armlets, red and yellow check cap
Hugs Dancer Big Moment Knavesmire Omen
2002
Red and yellow (halved), white cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Dark blue, red star, red sleeves, dark blue seams, dark blue cap, red star
Fantasy Hill Rainbow High High And Mighty
2001
Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Dark blue, red star, red sleeves, dark blue seams, dark blue cap, red star Light blue, white epaulets, armlets and cap
Rainbow High High And Mighty Prairie Falcon
2000-1991
2000
Dark Green and Beige (halved), sleeves reversed, Beige cap, Dark Green star Khaki, Dark Green cap Red and yellow (halved), white cap
Bangalore Ansar Fantasy Hill
1999
Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Dark green Dark blue, white cross-belts and sleeves, white cap, dark blue spots
Rainbow High Generosity Invermark
1998
Royal Blue, Pink hoop and sleeves, quartered cap Royal Blue, Yellow striped sleeves, Royal Blue cap, Yellow star White, royal blue diamond, red sleeves, royal blue and white quartered cap
Silence In Court Turnpole Leonato
1997
Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Grey, royal blue seams, sleeves and cap Red, yellow sash, striped sleeves and star on cap
Top Cees Etterby Park Thaljanah
1996
Dark green Royal blue, emerald green sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Merit Daraydan Corradini
1995
Red, black spots Black, maroon sleeves and hoop on cap Yellow, royal blue braces, striped sleeves, hooped cap
Top Cees Harlestone Brook The Flying Phantom
1994
Green, yellow quartered cap Dark blue, white cross-belts and sleeves, white cap, dark blue spots Black, red cross-belts, red and white striped sleeves, black cap
Doyce Moidart Welshman
1993
Dark blue, red star, red sleeves, dark blue seams, dark blue cap, red star White, light blue hoops, chevrons on sleeves, hooped cap Black, red cross-belts, red and white striped sleeves, black cap
Rodeo Star Jack Button Welshman
1992
Black, red cross-belts, red and white striped sleeves, black cap Yellow, Dark Blue cross belts, quartered cap Yellow, red stars on body, green cap
Welshman Bardolph Line Drummer
1991
Green and yellow diamonds, green cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Yellow, red seams, red cap, yellow spots
Star Player Nomadic Way Taroudant
1990-1988
1990
Light blue, yellow hoops, white sleeves, light blue and yellow check cap Royal blue, yellow chevrons, white sleeves, blue armlets White, black sleeves, striped cap
Travelling Light Rambo Castle Andorra
1989
Red, white seams, royal blue and white hooped sleeves, royal blue and white hooped cap Green, yellow epaulets, white cap Yellow, emerald green spots, purple sleeves, yellow cap
Grey Salute Travel Mystery Ala Hounak
1988
Royal blue, white hoops and sleeves, royal blue cap Emerald green, yellow epaulets, yellow sleeves, emerald green armlets, yellow cap Royal blue, pink hoop and sleeves
Old Hubert Tom Sharp Trust The Irish
 

History edit

The event was established in 1824, and it was originally called the Tradesmen's Cup.[1] 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.[2] During this time it was open to horses aged three or older.

The race was renamed the Chester Trades' Cup in 1874.[3] From this point it was often referred to as the Chester Cup,[4] and that became its usual title in 1884.[5]

The Chester Cup was formerly contested over 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 77 yards.[6] It was abandoned in 1969,[7] and extended by 20 yards in 1970.[8]

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.

Records edit

Most successful horse (2 wins):

  • Leamington1857, 1859
  • Dalby – 1865, 1866
  • Pageant – 1877, 1878
  • Dare Devil – 1892, 1893
  • Chivalrous – 1922, 1923
  • Sea Pigeon1977, 1978
  • Top Cees – 1995, 1997
  • Rainbow High – 1999, 2001
  • Anak Pekan – 2004, 2005

Leading jockey (4 wins):

  • Sam Darling – Independence (1831), Colwick (1832), Pickpocket (1833), Cardinal Puff (1839)
  • Lester PiggottSandiacre (1958), Aegean Blue (1966), Major Rose (1968), John Cherry (1976)

Leading trainer (4 wins):

  • Barry HillsArapahos (1980), Rainbow High (1999, 2001), Daraahem (2009)

Winners since 1975 edit

  • Weights given in stones and pounds.
Year Winner Age Weight Jockey Trainer SP Time
1975 Super Nova 5 7-07 Ernie Johnson Charlie Hall 1005.5 11/2
1976 John Cherry 5 9-04 Lester Piggott Jeremy Tree 1005 5/1
1977 Sea Pigeon 7 8-08 Mark Birch Peter Easterby 1007 7/1
1978 Sea Pigeon 8 9-07 Mark Birch Peter Easterby 1010 10/1
1979 Charlotte's Choice 4 8-04 Willie Carson Bill Wightman 1010 10/1
1980 Arapahos 5 9-05 Steve Cauthen Barry Hills 1003.5 7/2
1981 Donegal Prince 5 8-04 Paddy Young Paul Kelleway 1012 12/1
1982 Dawn Johnny 5 8-08 Walter Swinburn Michael Stoute 1014 14/1
1983 no race [a]
1984 Contester 4 8-02 Geoff Baxter Peter Cundell 1022 22/1
1985 Morgans Choice 8 7-11 Willie Carson John Hill 1006.5 13/2
1986 Western Dancer 5 9-00 Paul Cook Con Horgan 1014 14/1 4:10.49
1987 Just David 4 9-08 Michael Roberts Alec Stewart 1010 10/1 3:57.26
1988 Old Hubert 7 7-08 Taffy Thomas Alan Bailey 1033 33/1 4:34.58
1989 Grey Salute 6 8-07 Pat Eddery John Jenkins 1007 7/1 3:57.99
1990 Travelling Light 4 9-01 Alan Munro Lynda Ramsden 1002.5 5/2 F 4:10.18
1991 Star Player 5 8-10 Frankie Dettori John Baker 1004.5 9/2 4:13.41
1992 Welshman 6 7-08 Jimmy Quinn Michael Blanshard 1011 11/1 3:57.96
1993 Rodeo Star 7 7-13 Nicky Carlisle Nigel Tinkler 1009 9/1 4:02.51
1994 Doyce 5 7-10 Gary Bardwell Robert Williams 1014 14/1 4:03.18
1995 Top Cees 5 8-08 Kieren Fallon Lynda Ramsden 1008 8/1 4:03.35
1996 Merit 4 7-10 Jimmy Quinn Paul Cole 1005.5 11/2 4:06.63
1997 Top Cees 7 8-11 Jimmy Fortune Lynda Ramsden 1005.5 11/2 4:23.18
1998 Silence in Court 7 9-00 Allan Mackay Alan Bailey 1006.5 13/2 4:06.63
1999 Rainbow High 4 9-00 Michael Hills Barry Hills 1004 4/1 F 4:00.64
2000 Bangalore 4 7-10 Gary Bardwell Amanda Perrett 1016 16/1 4:03.00
2001 Rainbow High 6 9-13 Richard Hughes Barry Hills 1004.5 9/2 4:01.23
2002 Fantasy Hill 6 8-09 Pat Eddery John Dunlop 1008 8/1 4:00.20
2003 Hugs Dancer 6 8-11 Dean McKeown James Given 1009 9/1 4:04.89
2004 Anak Pekan 4 8-02 Philip Robinson Michael Jarvis 1002 2/1 F 4:10.90
2005 Anak Pekan 5 9-06 Philip Robinson Michael Jarvis 1016 16/1 4:14.60
2006 Admiral 5 8-01 John Egan Tim Pitt 1028 28/1 4:03.34
2007 Greenwich Meantime 7 9-02 Paul Hanagan Richard Fahey 1014 14/1 3:58.89
2008 Bulwark 6 9-04 Jim Crowley Ian Williams 1033 33/1 4:06.57
2009 Daraahem 4 9-00 Richard Hills Barry Hills 1007 7/1 4:04.01
2010 Mamlook 6 8-12 Richard Hughes David Pipe 1007 7/1 F 4:03.74
2011 Overturn 7 8-13 Eddie Ahern Donald McCain 1005.5 11/2 3:59.39
2012 Ile de Re 6 8-11 Jim Crowley Donald McCain 1010 10/1 4:10.20
2013 Address Unknown 6 9-00 Jamie Spencer Richard Fahey 1012 12/1 4:05.31
2014 Suegioo 5 9-04 Ryan Moore Marco Botti 1010 10/1 4:07.85
2015 Trip To Paris 4 8-09 Graham Lee Ed Dunlop 1010 10/1 4:12.87
2016 No Heretic 8 8-13 Jamie Spencer Nicky Henderson 1011 11/1 4:10.48
2017 Montaly 6 9-06 Oisin Murphy Andrew Balding 1016 16/1 4:03.37
2018 Magic Circle 6 9-03 Fran Berry Ian Williams 1008 8/1 4:02.90
2019 Making Miracles 4 9-00 Franny Norton Mark Johnston 1016 16/1 4:33.09
no race 2020 [b]
2021 Falcon Eight 6 9-10 Frankie Dettori Dermot Weld 1007.5 15/2 4:07.11
2022 Cleveland 4 9-00 Ryan Moore Aidan O'Brien 1006 6/1 4:04.13
2023 Metier 7 9-01 Saffie Osborne Harry Fry 1005 5/1 4:15.48
  1. ^ The 1983 running was abandoned because of a waterlogged course
  2. ^ The 2020 running was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom[9]

Earlier winners edit

  • 1824: Doge of Venice
  • 1825: Hymettus
  • 1826: Brutandorf
  • 1827: Grenadier
  • 1828: Fylde
  • 1829: Halston
  • 1830: Felt
  • 1831: Independence
  • 1832: Colwick
  • 1833: Pickpocket
  • 1834: The Cardinal
  • 1835: Birdlime
  • 1836: Tanworth
  • 1837: General Chasse
  • 1838: King Cole
  • 1839: Cardinal Puff
  • 1840: Dey of Algiers
  • 1841: Cruiskeen
  • 1842: Alice Hawthorn
  • 1843: Millepede
  • 1844: Red Deer
  • 1845: Intrepid
  • 1846: Corranna
  • 1847: St Lawrence
  • 1848: Peep-o-Day-Boy
  • 1849: Malton
  • 1850: Mounseer
  • 1851: Nancy
  • 1852: Joe Miller
  • 1853: Goldfinder
  • 1854: Epaminondas
  • 1855: Scythian
  • 1856: One Act
  • 1857: Leamington
  • 1858: Vanity
  • 1859: Leamington
  • 1860: St Albans
  • 1861: Ben Webster
  • 1862: Tim Whiffler
  • 1863: Asteroid
  • 1864: Flash in the Pan
  • 1865: Dalby
  • 1866: Dalby
  • 1867: Beeswing
  • 1868: Paul Jones
  • 1869: Knight of the Garter
  • 1870: Our Mary Ann
  • 1871: Glenlivat
  • 1872: Inveresk
  • 1873: Field Marshal
  • 1874: Organist
  • 1875: Freeman
  • 1876: Tam o'Shanter
  • 1877: Pageant
  • 1878: Pageant
  • 1879: Reefer
  • 1880: Fashion
  • 1881: Windsor
  • 1882: Prudhomme
  • 1883: Biserta
  • 1884: Havock
  • 1885: Merry Prince
  • 1886: Eastern Emperor
  • 1887: Carlton
  • 1888: Kinsky
  • 1889: Mill Stream
  • 1890: Tyrant
  • 1891: Vasistas
  • 1892: Dare Devil
  • 1893: Dare Devil
  • 1894: Quaesitum
  • 1895: Kilsallaghan
  • 1896: The Rush
  • 1897: Count Schomberg
  • 1898: Up Guards
  • 1899: Uncle Mac
  • 1900: Roughside
  • 1901: David Garrick
  • 1902: Carabine
  • 1903: Vendale
  • 1904: Sandboy
  • 1905: Imari
  • 1906: Feather Bed
  • 1907: Querido
  • 1908: Glacis
  • 1909: Santo Strato
  • 1910: Elizabetta
  • 1911: Willonyx
  • 1912: Rathlea
  • 1913: The Guller
  • 1914: Aleppo
  • 1915: Hare Hill
  • 1916–18: no race
  • 1919: Tom Pepper
  • 1920: Our Stephen
  • 1921: no race
  • 1922: Chivalrous
  • 1923: Chivalrous
  • 1924: Rugeley
  • 1925: Spithead
  • 1926: Hidennis
  • 1927: Dark Japan
  • 1928: St Mary's Kirk
  • 1929: First Flight
  • 1930: Mountain Lad
  • 1931: Brown Jack
  • 1932: Bonny Brighteyes
  • 1933: Dick Turpin
  • 1934: Blue Vision
  • 1935: Damascus
  • 1936: Cho-sen
  • 1937: Faites vos Jeux
  • 1938: Mr Grundy
  • 1939: Winnebar
  • 1940–45: no race
  • 1946: Retsel
  • 1947: Asmodee II
  • 1948: Billet
  • 1949: John Moore
  • 1950: Heron Bridge
  • 1951: Wood Leopard
  • 1952: Le Tellier
  • 1953: Eastern Emperor
  • 1954: Peperium
  • 1955: Prescription
  • 1956: Golovine
  • 1957: Curry
  • 1958: Sandiacre
  • 1959: Agreement
  • 1960: Trelawny
  • 1961: Hoy
  • 1962: Golden Fire
  • 1963: Narratus
  • 1964: Credo
  • 1965: Harvest Gold
  • 1966: Aegean Blue
  • 1967: Mahbub Aly
  • 1968: Major Rose
  • 1969: no race
  • 1970: Altogether
  • 1971: Random Shot
  • 1972: Eric
  • 1973: Crisalgo
  • 1974: Attivo

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Weatherby, Edward; Weatherby, James (1825). Racing Calendar for 1824. London: C. H. Reynell. pp. 25–26.
  2. ^ "1873 Tradesmen's Plate". Glasgow Herald. 8 May 1873. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  3. ^ "1874 Chester Trades' Cup". Glasgow Herald. 13 May 1874. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  4. ^ "The victory of Organist". Glasgow Herald. 13 May 1874. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  5. ^ "1884 Chester Cup". Glasgow Herald. 8 May 1884. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  6. ^ "1968 Chester Cup". Glasgow Herald. 8 May 1968. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  7. ^ "Chester programmes abandoned". Glasgow Herald. 7 May 1969. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  8. ^ "1970 Chester Cup". Glasgow Herald. 6 May 1970. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Coronavirus: Horse racing in Great Britain suspension extended". BBC Sport. 15 April 2020.