New and Continuing Partnerships For The Return of the Boodles May Festival

Chester Racecourse is delighted to announce several new and continuing partnerships for the exciting return of the Boodles May Festival.

The iconic three days of racing gets underway from 1.30pm on Wednesday’s City Day, when The CAA Stellar Lily Agnes Conditional Stakes (Class 2, 2yo) takes place.

CAA Stellar was created in 2022 following the acquisition of ICM Stellar Sports (formerly Stellar Group) by Hollywood talent agency CAA. Established in 1994 by Jonathan Barnett and David Manasseh, Stellar Group was built upon the management and mentoring of young sporting talent in the UK to become a global company with agents and elite clients all over the world.

Current CAA Stellar clients include football players such as Jack Grealish of Manchester City and Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid.

Jonathan Barnett, Executive Chairman of CAA Stellar, said:

“It is a pleasure to be able to sponsor and attend meetings at such a famous racecourse and always gladdening to see the return of flat racing. With CAA Stellar being the world’s leading football agency, we are proud to support such a prestigious event.”

Also on the opening day, Weatherbys continue to sponsor the Cheshire Oaks, which serves as a trial for the Epsom Oaks. The Weatherbys Digital Solutions Cheshire Oaks (Class 1, 3yo) (for the Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race) is scheduled for 2.40pm.

Britain’s leading fine jeweller Boodles, celebrating 10 years of title sponsorship this year, are associated with two other big feature races on City Day and Ladies Day – The Boodles Chester Vase and The Boodles Dee Stakes.

In addition, the iconic brand is lending its name to a maiden race supported by Darley on Tote Chester Cup Day. The BHA announced in February that The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) was programming over 60 high-value developmental races in 2023, with funding provided by the BHA, Darley and Juddmonte, supported by additional contributions from the hosting racecourses.

The races offer enhanced prize money to horses at the beginning of their careers, as well as assisting longer-term objectives of supporting the domestic breeding industry and ensuring more quality young horses who are bred in Britain are retained to race here.

Darley is specifically supporting 3yo/3yo+ Open maiden and novice races, with The Boodles Darley Maiden Stakes (Class 2) being run at 3.45pm on the final day of the festival.

Sam Bullard, Director of Stallions for Darley, said:

“For many years Darley has worked to support breeders through sponsorship and this new development fund initiative is doing just that, as well as setting a new improved prize money level for maiden races.

“This, combined with our contribution to the EBF, demonstrates how we can work together for the benefit of racing and are delighted to be involved.”

Tote Chester Cup Day also sees the 2.40pm scheduling of The Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2, 4yo), supported by ITM for the second-year running.

Away from the track, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, founded in 1812, are proud to be the official champagne of Chester Racecourse with a long-standing partnership.

Laurent-Perrier is the largest family-owned Champagne House and now owned by Alexandra and Stephanie de Nonancourt. Sold in over 120 countries around the world and in some of the finest establishments in the UK. They are very excited that the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Garden is relaunching this year with a Cuvée Rosé focus for the new season.

Edinburgh Gin, naming rights sponsor of the Edinburgh Gin Garden, continue to offer racegoers the opportunity to explore the wonder of Edinburgh Gin, whilst enjoying spectacular views of the famous racecourse.

Surrounded by botanical installations, guests can enjoy a vibrant menu of Edinburgh Gin serves – bringing a taste of the Scottish capital to the iconic Chester Racecourse.

To purchase tickets for the Boodles May Festival, please click here.