Located in the heart of the historic city of Chester, this racecourse known as the Roodee is the oldest racecourse still in use in the UK, if not the world! It is one of the most prestigious Flat racecourses in the country with racing events running from May to September and is also the smallest racecourse. Chester Racecourse’s most famous and popular event is the three day May Festival which kicks off their season with style. Boodles May Festival starts Wednesday 7th May until Friday 9th May 2025. Ladies Day is on Thursday 8th May where you’ll have the chance to be crowned the most stylish attendee in their Best Dressed Competition (yes it is open to the gents too) , going home with prizes that would make anyone envious!

Official Dress Code For County Concourse Enclosure (only applies for the Boodles May Festival) plus the Hospitality Areas and Chester Members which includes the County Long Room, Winning Post Enclosure and The Garden. 

Gentlemen are required to wear a collared shirt and smart trousers. Allowed in these areas: Well-tailored suit, Well-tailored blazer, Smart trousers, A collared shirt , Tie  Not allowed in these areas: Jeans, Trainers, Shorts, Tracksuits, T-shirts, Sportswear , Fancy Dress & Inappropriate clothing 

All prices are correct at time of publishing

A sharp suit is the sartorial choice for many dapper gents at this race. We say choose a light colour so you stand out from the sea of navy and dark greys such as Matalan’s three piece check suit in light grey. Plus it won’t break the bank. Taylor & Wright Cassis Check Tailored Suit Jacket £64.00 Taylor & Wright Cassis Check Tailored Suit Trousers £35.00 and Taylor & Wright Cassis Check Waistcoat £35.00. 

A crisp white shirt will always set off a sharp suit, but don’t forget a hint of pink or blue also goes well with light grey and will add a pop of colour – see Matalan’s Taylor & Wright Pink Slim Fit Shirt £18.00. A tie is a must to complete the sartorial look – here the suit is paired with Taylor & Wright 2 Pack Pink Paisley Textured Ties – Matalan £10.00 – A timeless elegant print that never seems to go out of fashion. The pink adds a touch of youthfulness. This tie comes with a matching pocket square. However the established sartorial rule is to never match your pocket square with your tie, but can this rule be broken? We say: If you change the pocket square to another colour or pattern, then you have less chance of another gent wearing the same tie and pocket square combo  (similar to the fashion nightmare every woman dreads when another lady is wearing the same dress). Plus it adds an individual flair to your ensemble – a must is you want to win the Best Dress Competition. We’ve chosen Matalan’s Green Floral Pocket Square Was £4.00 now £2.00.

Step up in Matalan’s Tan Faux Leather Derby Shoes £26.00 for a fresh modern look which works well with light coloured suits. Then jazz up your style with a pair of socks with a subtle pattern such as 5 Pack Multicolour Tropical Design Socks was £8.00 now £6.40.

You’ve got the dapper basics, now for the accessories: Matalan’s Clear Wayfarer Sunglasses in grey with pink lenses £4.00. Sport a trilby with your suit to add character and also to keep the sun off your face if it does shine. Matalan’s Brown Straw Trilby Hat is adorned with a striped grey and white band. £8.00. From understated chic to a bold statement, a watch can show off your personality.  Men’s watch Rebel spirit compass, two-tone by THOMAS SABO £240.00 is a statement piece. Add the final touch, Rose Lapel Pin In Rose Gold With Gunmetal Plated by Tateossian –  an elegant black enamel rose design to set off that light grey suit. £120.00 

Official Dress Code for Tattersalls Enclosure.

Chester racecourse say “We’re looking for a smart-casual vibe. Picture yourself in a chic ensemble, such as a polo shirt paired with smart chinos.” Gents are required to wear a collared shirt and smart trousers/jeans. Allowed in Tattersalls:  Polo Shirt, Collared shirt, Smart Jeans (not ripped), Smart Trousers, Chinos ,Not allowed in Tattersalls: Trainers, Shorts , Tracksuits , T-shirts, Sportswear, Fancy Dress or Inappropriate clothing.

We’ve chosen Marciano by GUESS® dMarciano linen-blend polo shirt in classic beige. £85.00. Teamed with Marciano by GUESS® dMarciano linen-blend chinos in dark blue. £155.00 and Marciano by GUESS® dMarciano stretch braided belt £105.00. ‘Jacket not required’ but if the weather warrants it Marciano by GUESS® dMarciano single-breasted blazer is the perfect match for the chinos. £240.00 in dark blue. Add a touch of dapper flair and a pop of bright blue with Ocean Water Pocket Square by Isabel Manns £20.00.

Go for a pair of GUESS® Osaka suede moccasin £125.00. These allow the wearer to go sockless for a relaxed formal style.

Whether dull or sunny, look cool in a pair of  GUESS® Round sunglasses in brown £110.00 and Cotswold Country Hats Straw Diamond Crown Pork Pie Hat with Removable Feather £25.95. Arm candy with  Marciano by GUESS® dGC leather chronograph watch £499.00 and a must have for the modern man is the bracelet, ranging from simple leather straps or metal bangles to colourful chunky beads, from the high street to designer labels such as GUESS® Mare Magnum bracelet £480.00. Finish off that continental style look with GUESS® Firenze genuine leather mini crossbody £105.00 to carry all your racing essentials.

Dress Code for The Roodee  

The Roodee is more of a relaxed environment, but Chestrer Racecourse say “Don’t let that stop you from donning your best outfit for a grand day out at the races. Dress it up or dress it down – it’s up to you. All that we ask is that you don’t wear offensive clothing or offensive fancy dress as these are not allowed.” Allowed in the Roodee:Relaxed clothing , Fancy dress , Sports clothing , Trainers Not allowed in the Roodee: Offensive clothing , Offensive fancy dress.

We’ve chosen Cotton Stretch 5 Pocket black jeans by French Connection UK £55.00 with their Short Sleeve Yarn Dye Stripe T-Shirt in taupe and stone stripes. £29.00 and their casual Herringbone Chore Jacket in stone £99.00. Keep the sun or rain off your head with their khaki green Baseball Cap £15.00.

Add some fun and a pop of colour to your outfit with their  Faceted Preppy Sunglasses in seamoss £45.00 and GUESS® Recycled plastic analogue watch in speckled blue. £209.00. Keep up the arm candy with Titanium Macrame Bracelet With Sodalite by Tateossian £279.00. Trainers are acceptable in The Roodee, so we’ve chosen GUESS® Todi 4G logo sneakers £85.00.

Please note there is limited cover in the Dee Stand and no cover in the Open Course so be prepared and check the weather beforehand. British weather is unpredictable and the day’s  forecast could be rain plus sunny spells so taking a small rucksack such as  GUESS® Milano 4G logo mini backpack £75.00 would be a good idea. This way you can pop in an umbrella for the rain, a sweatshirt if it gets chilly and suntan lotion when the sun starts to shine. 

Matalan images provided by Matalan PR Team

Thomas Sabo and Tateossian UK images provided by pr agency Task PR

French Connection images provided by pr agency Evolve Studios

Guess images provided by pr agency Trace Publicity

Cotswolds Hats image provided by Cotswolds Hats

Isabel Manns images provided by Isabel Manns

Background shot of Chester Racecourse provided by Canva.com