Chester Racecourse and NYRA Announce New Transatlantic Partnership

[Wandering Eyes]

A new partnership has been announced between Chester Racecourse and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), creating an international pathway from the Boodles May Festival to some of the most prestigious Graded races in America.

Under the initiative, the winner of the G3 Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes (Thursday, May 7) at Chester's May Festival will receive automatic entry and travel incentives to compete in the GII Belmont Gold Cup (Thursday, June 4), worth $250,000. The Belmont Gold Cup has been hosted at Saratoga Race Course since 2024 while the new Belmont Park is being redeveloped.

Meanwhile, the winner of Chester's G2 Huxley Stakes (Friday, May 8) will secure guaranteed entry into the prestigious GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes, which is valued at $1 million and takes place on the undercard of the $2-million GI Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets at Saratoga on Saturday, June 6.

Patrick Chesters, Chester Racecourse Racing Director, said, “We're delighted to be partnering with the New York Racing Association on this exciting new initiative. Bringing together two of the most historic venues in racing creates a fantastic opportunity to strengthen international connections within racing and showcase the quality of our racing programme at Chester.

“The Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes and the Huxley Stakes have long been important middle-distance contests in the early part of the season, and this partnership enhances their international significance. To offer guaranteed entry into races of the calibre of the Belmont Gold Cup and the Manhattan Stakes, with the added incentive of travel support, gives owners and trainers a very real and attractive opportunity to campaign horses on the global stage.

“The potential pathway from the Ormonde through to Belmont is particularly exciting. We will certainly be hoping to tempt some great horses to the Roodee that might have a future trip to America on their radars.”

Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President of Racing and Operations, added, “This is an exciting partnership connecting two of the sport's most revered and historic venues, which can only expand interest in these important races. We appreciate the partnership with Chester Racecourse and look forward to a fantastic summer at Saratoga.”

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