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 may be the oldest and smallest racecourse in England, but the Roodee is young at heart and big on the fashion trends.

A neighbour of Aintree, chances are the Chester ladies already started their racing fashion season at the Grand National and are ‘chomping at the bit’ to carry on the trend at the Boodles May Festival with glamour and a party atmosphere. This three day festival is Chester Racecourse’s most famous and popular event and kicks off their season with style. Boodles May Festival starts Wednesday 6th May until Friday 8th May 2025 Ladies Day is on Thursday 7th May where you’ll have the chance to be crowned the most stylish attendee in their Best Dressed Competition, going home with prizes that would make anyone envious!

Official Dress Code For County Concourse Enclosure, Hospitality Areas and Chester Members plus the County Long Room, Winning Post Enclosure and The Garden.

Chester racecourse says: Ladies should opt for smart stylish attire such as a flowing dress, chic co-ord or anything that feels effortlessly elegant. Allowed in these areas:  Smart dress/skirt Not allowed in these areas: Jeans, Trainers, Shorts, Tracksuits, T-shirts, Sportswear , Fancy Dress or Inappropriate clothing.

All prices are correct at time of publishing

We say…Expect oodles of excitement, fun and of course an excuse to strut your designer label style. This is one event where you can really go to town!  Make a statement that is not over the top in Midi Dress by ROTATE Birger Christensen featuring pronounced puff sleeves. In light blue and created from textured jacquard with a floral pattern. 380 Euros. Accessorise with their The Scarf Bag A small compact shoulder bag in pale yellow leather. Featuring a knotted sculptural scarf design placed on one side, 350 Euros. Like the Aintree lady, The Chester lady loves her high heels and is willing to suffer for the fashion stakes. It is the smallest racecourse in the UK so there won’t be long distance walking which is good news to the stiletto wearer. Their Sandal Denim Blue features narrow denim look straps with decorative knotted detail on the front. 420 Euros. Go big on bling, real or paste, but keep it tasteful, and if the budget allows, go Boodles. Their Raindance Diamond Blue Enamel Earrings  are set with diamonds and blue enamel in 18 carat yellow gold. The total weight of the diamonds is 0.88 carats (approx). Also available in pink enamel. £4,900.00 Not all your jewellery has to be real Qudo’s Firenze Bangle Gold is made of stainless steel with a light blue faceted crystal solitaire and is an homage to classic elegance that never goes out of fashion. 79.00 Euros. A sunny optimist, the Chester lady expects the sun to shine so sunglasses are essential. Keep light and cool in Max Mara’s white Cat-eye sunglasses £315.00. Your headwear is the finishing touch on a very highly styled ensemble! Hire a hat from Camilla Rose Millinery. Their Dragée captures the elegance of the outfit. A chic pale blue and yellow parasisal headpiece with a pale pink inset band, completed with an elegant structured ivory bow. Hire from £165.00 with a security deposit of 60% of the hire fee.

Official Dress Code For Tattersalls

They are looking for a smart-casual vibe. They say “Picture yourself in a chic ensemble, a floral flowing dress matched with a pair of sunnies. The key is to exude confidence and comfort while looking effortlessly stylish.  Ladies should wear smart attire”. Allowed in Tattersalls: Smart dress/skirt Not allowed in Tattersalls:  Branded Trainers, Shorts , Tracksuits , T-shirts, Sportswear, Fancy Dress or Inappropriate clothing.

The polka dot is always a classic winner. Kitri Studio uses a standout colour for their Talia Red Polka Dot Dress  The dress is a chic bias cut with a deep V neckline, short flutter sleeves, a waist-cinching tie at the back and a swishy midi hem. The dress is also fully lined. £195.00. Continue the polka dot with MSGM’s Small bowling bag in striped and polka dot print canvas. or turn it around to display its contrasting red horizontal stripe design. The canvas bag has a red leather shoulder strap and leather top zip closure, £605.00. Step out in Meenu Graziani’s Rosa Red pointed toe mules in red patent leather with cross over clear PVC straps and a mid heel of 80mm, £100.00. Don’t forget the red nail polish! Accessorise with Coeur De Lion’s ⁣Eternal Unity Hoops earrings  £79.00 and matching ⁣Eternal Unity Bracelet £115.00. Both in gold coloured stainless steel featuring two parallel bands, one smooth and polished, the other, adorned with sparkling cubic zirconia crystals in various shades of red. Go deep burgundy with GUESS® Square sunglasses £125.00. To complement your classic dress go bold with Red Floral Statement Headpiece by Liverpool based Stephanie Elizabeth Millinery. A Kidney bean shaped base adorned with a red, handmade feather flower. The flower has a red beaded centre and the twirls on the side are trimmed with detailed red heart fabric, £145.00.

Official Dress Code For The Roodee

This is more of a relaxed environment, but Chester 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.

Go summery with MARCIANO by GUESS® Marciano floral print midi dress in multi blue shades A romantic but casual halter neck dress with spaghetti straps, £220.00 Accessorise with GUESS® Olympia earrings £150.00 and matching Olympia necklace £250.00. Add a touch of sparkle wearing GUESS® Marciano cat eye sunglasses in blue with bejewelled hinges. £195.00  Most of the Roodee is an open area, so not great for high heels. GUESS® Gastine Logo Sandals have a mid block heel, an easier style for walking. £95.00. Please note in Roodee, there is only limited cover in the Dee Stand, 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 large tote bag or shopper GUESS® Letty Shopper would be a good bet. £135.00. This cream shopper has a separate pouch with a handle that can be used as a handbag. Dims of the shopper are 45x14x30 cm, large enough to pop in GUESS® Jewel buttons cardigan in light blue for when the evening gets chilly (the square neckline will still show off your necklace) £85.00,  GUESS® 4G Logo Umbrella in pale pink for the rain £30.00, suntan lotion when the sun starts to shine and a few snacks for a picnic on the grass area in front of Gate area. Please note the grassy Open Course is closed during this festival. There also won’t be much shade, so take a fedora hat or go cowgirl in Cotswold Country Hats’  Summer Straw Cowboy Hat £24.95. Adorned with turquoise blue sea stone with vintage metal surround and metal studs on a faux leather hat band. It is made of 100% paper straw so not recommended for use in the rain ( use a brolly). 

Rotate Birger Christensen images provided by Rotate in house pr manager

Boodles images provided by Boodles

Camilla Rose Millinery images provided by Camilla Rose Millinery

Kitri Studios images provided by pr agency K&H

Stephanie Elizabeth Millinery provided by Stephanie Elizabeth Millinery

MSGM images provided by MSGM in house pr team

Qudos, Meenu Graziani and Coeur De Lion images by pr agency WeArePR UK

Guess & Marcolin Eyewear images provided by pr agency Trace Publicity

Cotswolds Hats image provided by Cotswolds Hats

Background shot of Chester Racecourse provided by Canva.com