The Passing of Chester Race Company President and ex-Chairman Bobby McAlpine

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Chester Race Company President and ex-Chairman Bobby McAlpine aged 89. He was a much-respected member of the Chester Race Company board which he served on from 1987 until 2008, and he was hugely instrumental in the major changes that occurred at Chester and Bangor-on-Dee racecourses during the time he was Chairman.

The owner-breeder had great success with horses such as Cormorant Wood, Precipice Wood and River Ceiriog and was also a director at Aintree and of Bangor. A great grandson of Sir Robert McAlpine mentions that his great grandfathers love of racing dated back to his time as a steward at Wolverhampton in his 20s.

Ian O’Doherty, Chairman of Chester Race Company, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby McAlpine. Bobby was a much-loved and much-respected member of the Chester Race Company board, with him serving as Honorary President until the time of his passing. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Bobby was one of the great characters in the racing community and he will be sorely missed. The thoughts of all at Chester Race Company are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Image: Edward Whittaker / Racing Post