OFFICIALS at Chester Racecourse have declared the final meeting of the year a major success with more than 20,000 visitors making their way to the Roodee Racecourse on Saturday.
The attendance figures were also five per cent up on last year.
The team at the racecourse made sure that it was a party not to forget and the final day celebrations started early with a fashion show, forming part of Chester Fashion Festival, with stars from local soap Hollyoaks providing the commentary for the show.
Racegoers were also treated to a very special display from the RAF Falcons as 12 members of their Parachute Display Team descended onto the racecourse at speeds of up to 120mph.
The Chester City Band were present throughout the afternoon to keep everybody in the party spirit and performed on the racetrack itself prior to the first race. More than 600 military servicemen and women were given free admission to the racecourse.
Richard Thomas, CEO of Chester Race Company, said: “Today has been a fitting end to an amazing season for all of us here at the racecourse. We have seen almost 300,000 people attend our race meetings this year which is a huge 12 per cent annual increase on last year’s figures. This level of growth is key to an ever developing business such as the Race Company but it also brings huge benefits to the local economy for Chester and its surroundings.
“Latest research has shown that each race day adds over £1m to the local economy which is why we are pleased to announce that Saturday June 11 will be a new fixture for 2011. I am very proud of the team working at the racecourse. These excellent results are down to their hard work and dedication.”
Rob March, head of marketing and communications for Chester Race Company, added: “The 2010 race season has been the most successful in recent history. We have seen huge growth across the business.
“We have delivered some exceptional high profile events including the visit from The Queen in June, the official launch of the Rhino Mania event in July and the glitzy Hollyoaks Soapstars Charity Ball last week. In addition regional sporting stars such as the Manchester Utd squad as well as celebrities are always in attendance at the Roodee which always adds to the Chester Races experience. We will look to build on this success for 2011 and are already investigating opportunities to bring other large scale events to the region.”
Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale via chester-races.com or on 01244 304610.