A Piece Of Heaven's 7-1 victory in the Chester Cup provided a fitting finale to Chester Racecourse's May festival, after Thursday's card teetered on the brink of abandonment due to dangerous ground conditions. The win by Dylan Browne McMonagle's mount capped a dramatic two days at the world's oldest racecourse.
Ground Chaos Threatens Ladies' Day
Thursday's meeting, featuring around 15,000 spectators for Ladies' Day, faced potential cancellation after several jockeys reported slipping in the opening race. Emergency remedial work by Chester's ground staff was required, while trainer William Haggas's assistant Maureen Haggas scratched Morshdi from the Dee Stakes, citing jockey Tom Marquand's assessment of the ground as "dangerous." Marquand initially stood himself down for the rest of the day but later rode in the final two races after repairs.
The frantic efforts of the grounds team ensured the remaining six races went ahead, albeit over an hour late. Louise Stewart, Chester's chief executive, praised the team: "We've got a brilliant clerk and grounds team here at Chester, some of them have been here for over 45 years and their fathers before them. They know every blade of grass on the track."
Financial and Reputational Impact
An abandonment would have been a major blow to Chester, which is still recovering from the loss of its May festival to Covid in 2020 and behind-closed-doors running in 2021. Attendance for the May festival has declined 34% since full crowds returned in 2022 compared to 2019, and 44% down from 62,000 15 years ago. Stewart expects a 6% rise this year, building on a 10% boost in 2025.
The positive response from the crowd, who cheered when racing was confirmed to continue, highlighted the unique atmosphere at Chester. "You heard the roar," Stewart said. "People are here for the racing, and also for a good time."
Classic Trials Shine
Chester's May meeting trials for the Epsom Classics have produced strong form. Benvenuto Cellini (Chester Vase) and Amelia Earhart (Cheshire Oaks) are favourites for the Derby and Oaks respectively. Constitution River's seven-length win in the Dee Stakes was described by Timeform as "one of the very best performances in a Classic trial for many a year."
Stewart noted: "Great horses have been performing brilliantly on this track. That's a great headline for racing and its future."
Ascot Tips: Hickory to Shine
At Ascot on Saturday, Hickory (2.20) with Saffie Osborne is tipped to win the Victoria Cup Handicap from stall 17. The eight-year-old has a fine record at Ascot, with two wins and five placed efforts from nine starts. Osborne's perfectly timed run should deliver victory.
Other selections include: Haydock 1.15 Frontier Prince; Lingfield 1.28 Romantic Symphony; Ascot 1.45 Zgharta; Lingfield 1.58 Maltese Cross; Lingfield 2.40 Royal Velvet; Ascot 2.55 Valedictory; Lingfield 3.15 Apotheosis.
