Chester Cup
The Chester Cup is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 147 yards (3,749 metres) at Chester in May.
| Handicap race | |
| Location | Chester Racecourse Chester, Cheshire, England  | 
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1824 | 
| Race type | Flat / Thoroughbred | 
| Sponsor | The Tote | 
| Website | Chester | 
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2m 2f 140y (3,749m) | 
| Surface | Turf | 
| Track | Left-handed | 
| Qualification | Four-years-old and up | 
| Weight | Handicap | 
| Purse | £151,080 (2022) 1st: £77,310  | 
| 2023 | ||
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| Metier | Zoffee | Call My Bluff | 
| Previous years | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
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| Cleveland | Coltrane | Rajinsky | 
| 2021 | ||
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| Falcon Eight | The Grand Visir | Hochfeld | 
| 2020-2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ||
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| Making Miracles | Who Dares Wins | Whiskey Sour | 
| 2018 | ||
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| Magic Circle | Fun Mac | Who Dares Wins | 
| 2017 | ||
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| Montaly | Yorkidding | Fun Mac | 
| 2016 | ||
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| No Heretic | Nakeeta | Silver Concorde | 
| 2015 | ||
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| Trip To Paris | Quick Jack | Zafayan | 
| 2014 | ||
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| Suegioo | Angel Gabrial | Communicator | 
| 2013 | ||
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| Address Unknown | Ingleby Spirit | Tominator | 
| 2012 | ||
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| Ile De Re | Overturn | Gulf of Naples | 
| 2011 | ||
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| Overturn | Tastahil | Mystery Star | 
| 2010-2001 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | ||
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| Mamlook | Tastahil | Halla San | 
| 2009 | ||
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| Daraahem | Ajaan | Halla San | 
| 2008 | ||
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| Bulwark | Som Tala | Tilt | 
| 2007 | ||
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| Greenwich Meantime | Fair Along | Enjoy The Moment | 
| 2006 | ||
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| Admiral | Vinando | Greenwich Meantime | 
| 2005 | ||
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| Anak Pekan | Swift Sailor | Contact Dancer | 
| 2004 | ||
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| Anak Pekan | Misternando | Big Moment | 
| 2003 | ||
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| Hugs Dancer | Big Moment | Knavesmire Omen | 
| 2002 | ||
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| Fantasy Hill | Rainbow High | High And Mighty | 
| 2001 | ||
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| Rainbow High | High And Mighty | Prairie Falcon | 
| 2000-1991 | ||
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| 2000 | ||
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| Bangalore | Ansar | Fantasy Hill | 
| 1999 | ||
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| Rainbow High | Generosity | Invermark | 
| 1998 | ||
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| Silence In Court | Turnpole | Leonato | 
| 1997 | ||
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| Top Cees | Etterby Park | Thaljanah | 
| 1996 | ||
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| Merit | Daraydan | Corradini | 
| 1995 | ||
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| Top Cees | Harlestone Brook | The Flying Phantom | 
| 1994 | ||
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| Doyce | Moidart | Welshman | 
| 1993 | ||
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| Rodeo Star | Jack Button | Welshman | 
| 1992 | ||
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| Welshman | Bardolph | Line Drummer | 
| 1991 | ||
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| Star Player | Nomadic Way | Taroudant | 
| 1990-1988 | ||
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| 1990 | ||
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| Travelling Light | Rambo Castle | Andorra | 
| 1989 | ||
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| Grey Salute | Travel Mystery | Ala Hounak | 
| 1988 | ||
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| Old Hubert | Tom Sharp | Trust The Irish | 
History
    
The event was established in 1824, and it was originally called the Tradesmen's Cup.[1] It was initially a limited handicap with a minimum weight of 8 st 2 lb.
For a period the race was known as the Tradesmen's Plate.[2] During this time it was open to horses aged three or older.
The race was renamed the Chester Trades' Cup in 1874.[3] From this point it was often referred to as the Chester Cup,[4] and that became its usual title in 1884.[5]
The Chester Cup was formerly contested over 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 77 yards.[6] It was abandoned in 1969,[7] and extended by 20 yards in 1970.[8]
The distance of the race was changed to 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 117 yards in 1992. It was increased to its present length in 1994.
Records
    
Most successful horse (2 wins):
- Leamington – 1857, 1859
 - Dalby – 1865, 1866
 - Pageant – 1877, 1878
 - Dare Devil – 1892, 1893
 - Chivalrous – 1922, 1923
 - Sea Pigeon – 1977, 1978
 - Top Cees – 1995, 1997
 - Rainbow High – 1999, 2001
 - Anak Pekan – 2004, 2005
 
Leading jockey (4 wins):
- Sam Darling – Independence (1831), Colwick (1832), Pickpocket (1833), Cardinal Puff (1839)
 - Lester Piggott – Sandiacre (1958), Aegean Blue (1966), Major Rose (1968), John Cherry (1976)
 
Leading trainer (4 wins):
- Barry Hills – Arapahos (1980), Rainbow High (1999, 2001), Daraahem (2009)
 
Winners since 1975
    
- Weights given in stones and pounds.
 
| Year | Winner | Age | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | SP | Time | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Super Nova | 5 | 7-07 | Ernie Johnson | Charlie Hall | 11/2 | |
| 1976 | John Cherry | 5 | 9-04 | Lester Piggott | Jeremy Tree | 5/1 | |
| 1977 | Sea Pigeon | 7 | 8-08 | Mark Birch | Peter Easterby | 7/1 | |
| 1978 | Sea Pigeon | 8 | 9-07 | Mark Birch | Peter Easterby | 10/1 | |
| 1979 | Charlotte's Choice | 4 | 8-04 | Willie Carson | Bill Wightman | 10/1 | |
| 1980 | Arapahos | 5 | 9-05 | Steve Cauthen | Barry Hills | 7/2 | |
| 1981 | Donegal Prince | 5 | 8-04 | Paddy Young | Paul Kelleway | 12/1 | |
| 1982 | Dawn Johnny | 5 | 8-08 | Walter Swinburn | Michael Stoute | 14/1 | |
| 1983 | no race [lower-alpha 1] | ||||||
| 1984 | Contester | 4 | 8-02 | Geoff Baxter | Peter Cundell | 22/1 | |
| 1985 | Morgans Choice | 8 | 7-11 | Willie Carson | John Hill | 13/2 | |
| 1986 | Western Dancer | 5 | 9-00 | Paul Cook | Con Horgan | 14/1 | 4:10.49 | 
| 1987 | Just David | 4 | 9-08 | Michael Roberts | Alec Stewart | 10/1 | 3:57.26 | 
| 1988 | Old Hubert | 7 | 7-08 | Taffy Thomas | Alan Bailey | 33/1 | 4:34.58 | 
| 1989 | Grey Salute | 6 | 8-07 | Pat Eddery | John Jenkins | 7/1 | 3:57.99 | 
| 1990 | Travelling Light | 4 | 9-01 | Alan Munro | Lynda Ramsden | 5/2 F | 4:10.18 | 
| 1991 | Star Player | 5 | 8-10 | Frankie Dettori | John Baker | 9/2 | 4:13.41 | 
| 1992 | Welshman | 6 | 7-08 | Jimmy Quinn | Michael Blanshard | 11/1 | 3:57.96 | 
| 1993 | Rodeo Star | 7 | 7-13 | Nicky Carlisle | Nigel Tinkler | 9/1 | 4:02.51 | 
| 1994 | Doyce | 5 | 7-10 | Gary Bardwell | Robert Williams | 14/1 | 4:03.18 | 
| 1995 | Top Cees | 5 | 8-08 | Kieren Fallon | Lynda Ramsden | 8/1 | 4:03.35 | 
| 1996 | Merit | 4 | 7-10 | Jimmy Quinn | Paul Cole | 11/2 | 4:06.63 | 
| 1997 | Top Cees | 7 | 8-11 | Jimmy Fortune | Lynda Ramsden | 11/2 | 4:23.18 | 
| 1998 | Silence in Court | 7 | 9-00 | Allan Mackay | Alan Bailey | 13/2 | 4:06.63 | 
| 1999 | Rainbow High | 4 | 9-00 | Michael Hills | Barry Hills | 4/1 F | 4:00.64 | 
| 2000 | Bangalore | 4 | 7-10 | Gary Bardwell | Amanda Perrett | 16/1 | 4:03.00 | 
| 2001 | Rainbow High | 6 | 9-13 | Richard Hughes | Barry Hills | 9/2 | 4:01.23 | 
| 2002 | Fantasy Hill | 6 | 8-09 | Pat Eddery | John Dunlop | 8/1 | 4:00.20 | 
| 2003 | Hugs Dancer | 6 | 8-11 | Dean McKeown | James Given | 9/1 | 4:04.89 | 
| 2004 | Anak Pekan | 4 | 8-02 | Philip Robinson | Michael Jarvis | 2/1 F | 4:10.90 | 
| 2005 | Anak Pekan | 5 | 9-06 | Philip Robinson | Michael Jarvis | 16/1 | 4:14.60 | 
| 2006 | Admiral | 5 | 8-01 | John Egan | Tim Pitt | 28/1 | 4:03.34 | 
| 2007 | Greenwich Meantime | 7 | 9-02 | Paul Hanagan | Richard Fahey | 14/1 | 3:58.89 | 
| 2008 | Bulwark | 6 | 9-04 | Jim Crowley | Ian Williams | 33/1 | 4:06.57 | 
| 2009 | Daraahem | 4 | 9-00 | Richard Hills | Barry Hills | 7/1 | 4:04.01 | 
| 2010 | Mamlook | 6 | 8-12 | Richard Hughes | David Pipe | 7/1 F | 4:03.74 | 
| 2011 | Overturn | 7 | 8-13 | Eddie Ahern | Donald McCain | 11/2 | 3:59.39 | 
| 2012 | Ile de Re | 6 | 8-11 | Jim Crowley | Donald McCain | 10/1 | 4:10.20 | 
| 2013 | Address Unknown | 6 | 9-00 | Jamie Spencer | Richard Fahey | 12/1 | 4:05.31 | 
| 2014 | Suegioo | 5 | 9-04 | Ryan Moore | Marco Botti | 10/1 | 4:07.85 | 
| 2015 | Trip To Paris | 4 | 8-09 | Graham Lee | Ed Dunlop | 10/1 | 4:12.87 | 
| 2016 | No Heretic | 8 | 8-13 | Jamie Spencer | Nicky Henderson | 11/1 | 4:10.48 | 
| 2017 | Montaly | 6 | 9-06 | Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding | 16/1 | 4:03.37 | 
| 2018 | Magic Circle | 6 | 9-03 | Fran Berry | Ian Williams | 8/1 | 4:02.90 | 
| 2019 | Making Miracles | 4 | 9-00 | Franny Norton | Mark Johnston | 16/1 | 4:33.09 | 
| no race 2020 [lower-alpha 2] | |||||||
| 2021 | Falcon Eight | 6 | 9-10 | Frankie Dettori | Dermot Weld | 15/2 | 4:07.11 | 
| 2022 | Cleveland | 4 | 9-00 | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 6/1 | 4:04.13 | 
| 2023 | Metier | 7 | 9-01 | Saffie Osborne | Harry Fry | 5/1 | 4:15.48 | 
- The 1983 running was abandoned because of a waterlogged course
 - The 2020 running was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom[9]
 
Earlier winners
    
- 1824: Doge of Venice
 - 1825: Hymettus
 - 1826: Brutandorf
 - 1827: Grenadier
 - 1828: Fylde
 - 1829: Halston
 - 1830: Felt
 - 1831: Independence
 - 1832: Colwick
 - 1833: Pickpocket
 - 1834: The Cardinal
 - 1835: Birdlime
 - 1836: Tanworth
 - 1837: General Chasse
 - 1838: King Cole
 - 1839: Cardinal Puff
 - 1840: Dey of Algiers
 - 1841: Cruiskeen
 - 1842: Alice Hawthorn
 - 1843: Millepede
 - 1844: Red Deer
 - 1845: Intrepid
 - 1846: Corranna
 - 1847: St Lawrence
 - 1848: Peep-o-Day-Boy
 - 1849: Malton
 - 1850: Mounseer
 - 1851: Nancy
 - 1852: Joe Miller
 - 1853: Goldfinder
 - 1854: Epaminondas
 - 1855: Scythian
 - 1856: One Act
 - 1857: Leamington
 - 1858: Vanity
 - 1859: Leamington
 - 1860: St Albans
 - 1861: Ben Webster
 - 1862: Tim Whiffler
 - 1863: Asteroid
 - 1864: Flash in the Pan
 - 1865: Dalby
 - 1866: Dalby
 - 1867: Beeswing
 - 1868: Paul Jones
 - 1869: Knight of the Garter
 - 1870: Our Mary Ann
 - 1871: Glenlivat
 - 1872: Inveresk
 - 1873: Field Marshal
 - 1874: Organist
 - 1875: Freeman
 - 1876: Tam o'Shanter
 - 1877: Pageant
 - 1878: Pageant
 - 1879: Reefer
 - 1880: Fashion
 - 1881: Windsor
 - 1882: Prudhomme
 - 1883: Biserta
 - 1884: Havock
 - 1885: Merry Prince
 - 1886: Eastern Emperor
 - 1887: Carlton
 - 1888: Kinsky
 - 1889: Mill Stream
 - 1890: Tyrant
 - 1891: Vasistas
 - 1892: Dare Devil
 - 1893: Dare Devil
 - 1894: Quaesitum
 - 1895: Kilsallaghan
 - 1896: The Rush
 - 1897: Count Schomberg
 - 1898: Up Guards
 - 1899: Uncle Mac
 - 1900: Roughside
 - 1901: David Garrick
 - 1902: Carabine
 - 1903: Vendale
 - 1904: Sandboy
 - 1905: Imari
 - 1906: Feather Bed
 - 1907: Querido
 - 1908: Glacis
 - 1909: Santo Strato
 - 1910: Elizabetta
 - 1911: Willonyx
 - 1912: Rathlea
 - 1913: The Guller
 - 1914: Aleppo
 - 1915: Hare Hill
 - 1916–18: no race
 - 1919: Tom Pepper
 - 1920: Our Stephen
 - 1921: no race
 - 1922: Chivalrous
 - 1923: Chivalrous
 - 1924: Rugeley
 - 1925: Spithead
 - 1926: Hidennis
 - 1927: Dark Japan
 - 1928: St Mary's Kirk
 - 1929: First Flight
 - 1930: Mountain Lad
 - 1931: Brown Jack
 - 1932: Bonny Brighteyes
 - 1933: Dick Turpin
 - 1934: Blue Vision
 - 1935: Damascus
 - 1936: Cho-sen
 - 1937: Faites vos Jeux
 - 1938: Mr Grundy
 - 1939: Winnebar
 - 1940–45: no race
 - 1946: Retsel
 - 1947: Asmodee II
 - 1948: Billet
 - 1949: John Moore
 - 1950: Heron Bridge
 - 1951: Wood Leopard
 - 1952: Le Tellier
 - 1953: Eastern Emperor
 - 1954: Peperium
 - 1955: Prescription
 - 1956: Golovine
 - 1957: Curry
 - 1958: Sandiacre
 - 1959: Agreement
 - 1960: Trelawny
 - 1961: Hoy
 - 1962: Golden Fire
 - 1963: Narratus
 - 1964: Credo
 - 1965: Harvest Gold
 - 1966: Aegean Blue
 - 1967: Mahbub Aly
 - 1968: Major Rose
 - 1969: no race
 - 1970: Altogether
 - 1971: Random Shot
 - 1972: Eric
 - 1973: Crisalgo
 - 1974: Attivo
 
See also
    
- Horse racing in Great Britain
 - List of British flat horse races
 - Recurring sporting events established in 1824 – this race is included under its original title, Tradesmen's Cup.
 
References
    
- Weatherby, Edward; Weatherby, James (1825). Racing Calendar for 1824. London: C. H. Reynell. pp. 25–26.
 - "1873 Tradesmen's Plate". Glasgow Herald. 8 May 1873. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "1874 Chester Trades' Cup". Glasgow Herald. 13 May 1874. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "The victory of Organist". Glasgow Herald. 13 May 1874. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "1884 Chester Cup". Glasgow Herald. 8 May 1884. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "1968 Chester Cup". Glasgow Herald. 8 May 1968. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "Chester programmes abandoned". Glasgow Herald. 7 May 1969. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "1970 Chester Cup". Glasgow Herald. 6 May 1970. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
 - "Coronavirus: Horse racing in Great Britain suspension extended". BBC Sport. 15 April 2020.
 
- Paris-Turf:
 - Racing Post:
 
- galopp-sieger.de – Chester Cup.
 - pedigreequery.com – Chester Cup – Chester.
 - Abelson, Edward; Tyrrel, John (1993). The Breedon Book of Horse Racing Records. Breedon Books. pp. 36–39. ISBN 1-873626-15-0.
 































































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