Ladbrokes Returns to Chester Racecourse with New Three-Year Partnership

Chester Racecourse is delighted to announce a landmark three-year partnership with Ladbrokes, marking a strategic strengthening of the bookmaker’s horseracing sponsorship portfolio. This exciting collaboration sees Ladbrokes named as the Official Fixed Betting Partner for the Boodles May Festival, which takes place 7-9 May, and title sponsor of Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day on Friday 9 May.

The three-day Boodles May Festival is the curtain-raiser for the racing season at Chester, featuring Trials Day, Ladies Day, and Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day, each offering a unique experience for racegoers. The festival culminates in the Ladbrokes Chester Cup, the biggest and highest prize money race of the season at Chester, which celebrated its 200th anniversary last year.

As part of this partnership, Ladbrokes will sponsor a race on each day of the Boodles May Festival, including the prestigious Ormonde Stakes on Ladies Day. The Ormonde Stakes is named after the undefeated English Thoroughbred racehorse foaled at Eaton Hall in Chester and has seen legendary trainers such as Aidan O’Brien, John Gosden, William Haggas, and Andrew Balding claim victory. Additionally, Ladbrokes will be sponsoring the Chester Plate, a key race that serves as a consolation to the Ladbrokes Chester Cup and was won last year by jockey William Buick.

Ladbrokes has a long-standing history with the Chester Cup, having first sponsored the race in 1995. This year’s event marks a timely 30-year anniversary of their association with this prestigious race, making their return even more special. Their renewed commitment to horseracing at Chester underscores their dedication to the sport and reinforces their investment in top-tier race days.

Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day is set to be a fully immersive race day experience, with Ladbrokes bringing their brand to life across the racecourse through dynamic and engaging activations for racegoers. This includes prominent branding across the course, fan engagement activations, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Ladbrokes celebrity ambassadors.

Simon Clare, PR Director for Ladbrokes, said: “Horse racing is part of Ladbrokes’ DNA, and our objective is to strengthen our support for, and promotion of, the sport through this exciting partnership with Chester Racecourse, which marks a welcome return to Ladbrokes’ sponsorship of The Chester Cup after thirty years.”

“We are looking for sponsorship of iconic races, as well as partnerships with racecourses that share the same values as Ladbrokes, and Chester Racecourse and the Chester Cup ticks all the boxes.”

A wider programme of community and CSR initiatives is being explored as part of Ladbrokes’ long-term strategy, including potential collaborations with other sports.

Ladbrokes will build momentum for this new partnership with a series of pre-festival activations, including a live draw for the Ladbrokes Chester Cup on Wednesday 7 May and ambassador-led campaigns across their social channels.

Kate Dawson, Commercial Director at Chester Racecourse, said:

“The Boodles May Festival is the standout event of the racing season at Chester, combining world-class racing with an unrivalled atmosphere, and we are thrilled to welcome Ladbrokes as our Official Fixed Betting Partner and title sponsor of Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day. Their return to Chester is particularly special as it marks the 30-year anniversary of their first sponsorship of the Chester Cup in 1995. This milestone highlights their deep-rooted connection to the race and the prestige it carries within the sport. Ladbrokes is an iconic name in the industry, and their return to horseracing at Chester Racecourse will undoubtedly elevate the experience for our guests. Their commitment to racing heritage, coupled with their innovative approach to fan engagement, will bring an exciting new dimension to the festival.

“With the Ladbrokes Chester Cup as the centrepiece of the festival, this partnership enhances the prestige of an already historic race. Ladbrokes’ investment in racing at Chester reflects a shared ambition to offer racegoers the very best in sporting entertainment. We are excited to working together to ensure every guest enjoys an unforgettable experience at the festival.

“This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship, it is a partnership built on a shared passion for racing. We look forward to seeing how Ladbrokes’ activations bring new energy to the race day, from interactive experiences on-course to digital campaigns that will capture the excitement of the festival beyond the racecourse. Together, we are set to make this year’s Boodles May Festival one of the best yet.”

With the Boodles May Festival setting the tone for a thrilling racing season at Chester, the calendar includes family-friendly events such as Roman Day (31 May) and Family Fun Day (3 August), plus summer highlights like Ibiza Classics (11 July) and Powells Jewellery Ladies Day with Bjorn Again (30 August). The season will conclude with the Oktoberfest Season Finale on 20 September.