Chester is set to host a vibrant weekend of activity, headlined by the Virgin Bet Autumn Festival at Chester Racecourse on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September. The festival, marking the close of Chester’s racing season, combines competitive horse racing with seasonal entertainment, including the return of the popular Dachshund Derby.

Chester Racecourse: Virgin Bet Autumn Festival Highlights

The two-day Virgin Bet Autumn Festival promises a packed schedule of racing action. Gates will open at 11:30am on both days. On Friday 11 September, the first race is scheduled for 1:37pm, concluding at 5:03pm. Saturday 12 September sees the first race at 1:30pm, with the final contest at 5:10pm, according to Chester Nub News.

Friday’s racing card includes a restricted novice stakes at 1:37pm, a four-runner seven-furlong race at 2:12pm, and further handicaps throughout the afternoon, culminating in an apprentice handicap at 5:03pm. Noteworthy runners include Bearly Blue in the opener and Dovecote, who is expected to perform well in the 2:12pm race. Local trainers, such as Hugo Palmer and Donald McCain, have entries across the various races, as reported by the Chester Standard.

Saturday’s fixture features the listed Stand Cup at 1:30pm and the Watergate Heritage Handicap over two miles at 2:05pm. The day concludes with a mile-and-a-half handicap at 5:10pm, exclusively for national hunt jockeys. Racing enthusiasts might also note the 250th running of the St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon, with Aidan O’Brien’s Derby winner Christmas Day being a favourite.

Dachshund Derby Returns

A much-anticipated event during the Autumn Festival is the Dachshund Derby, where 12 ‘sausage dogs’ will race to earn the title of ‘Top Dog’. These canine competitors were chosen from over 1,000 entries across Facebook and Instagram via a social media competition. Steve Davies, COO at Chester Race Company, noted that the festival offers “fantastic racing” and a “unique atmosphere that autumn brings to the Roodee,” specifically highlighting the popular Dachshund Derby as a memorable part of the two days. Tickets for the Virgin Bet Autumn Festival are available.

Beyond the Roodee: Other Chester Events This Weekend

Beyond the racecourse, Chester offers a range of events for residents and visitors:

• Heritage Open Days: Starting Friday 11 September, Chester’s Heritage Open Days offer free events, tours, talks, and hands-on experiences. Chester Town Hall opens its doors on Friday, while the University of Chester Riverside Museum will be open on Saturday 12 September, showcasing artifacts from medicine, nursing, midwifery, and social work, including an original letter from Florence Nightingale. Bishop Lloyd’s Palace, home of Chester Civic Trust, will also be open.
• Battle of Britain Parade: On Sunday 13 September, the annual Battle of Britain parade will march through Chester city centre at 2:30pm. Members of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets from across the region will participate, honouring those who defended Britain in 1940. A service of commemoration will follow at Chester Cathedral at 3pm.
• Grosvenor Museum Exhibition: The Grosvenor Museum is hosting “Cheshire’s ancient past” until Sunday 20 September. This exhibition delves into the region’s geological history, displaying fossils such as Carboniferous plant remains from Wrexham and reptile footprints found on the Wirral.
• Live Football and Craft Beer: The Deva Tap on Brook Street is showing live Champions League football this Thursday evening, with Manchester United facing Sabah from 8pm on four 80-inch TVs. Food will be served from 4pm until 8pm. The pub will also feature Titanic Wonderlust, a 7% salted caramel stout from Titanic Brewery, on cask. For those interested in sports outside of racing, like the latest football transfer market news or the impact of new signings in the Premier League, the local pubs offer a great spot to catch up.

This weekend provides a diverse array of activities across Chester, from high-stakes racing and unique animal competitions to historical explorations and commemorative events, offering something for every North West visitor.