FOR centuries, crowds have flocked to Chester to see horse racing.
The 65-acre Roodee track hosted its first race in 1539 and is the most ancient original course in country.
But later this month Chester is hoping to break with tradition in more ways than one.
By hosting a showjumping event, organisers could change the face of the sport forever and bring it to a wider audience.
As well as introducing betting to the Barclays Wealth British Masters Invitational, competitors dispense with formal attire in favour of polo shirts and a more casual look.
Among those taking part is Merseyside show jumper Peter Charles, who was born in Bootle, who said he hopes this new image will give the profession a “shake-up” and help remove the snobbery often associated with it.
He said: “The changes are a breath of fresh air and the profession has been given a real shake-up.
“Anything which will attract more people and which is good for the horse is fantastic news.
“I grew up in Bootle, and then lived in Maghull, so there is nothing snobbish about me.”
Charles competed for Great Britain but joined the Irish squad in 1992.ŠIn 1995, he was on the winning team at three of the most prestigious Nations Cups in the world at Aachen, Dublin and the Spruce Meadows.
He returned to his British Nationality last year to compete again for Britain, where he has remained since. He is currently on tour, in Aachen, Germany, Dijon and Dublin, but will appear at Chester racecourse on July 31 and August 1.
The event is expected to set a precedent for future events, not just in Chester but nationwide.Š
Charles, who now lives in Alton, Hampshire, added: “Modernisation is a good idea and hopefully it will be as successful as 20/20 cricket.
“Show jumping should not be stuffy or pretentious, which is often what is associated with it. We want to move away from this.
“Betting on the racecourse also adds a different dimension.”
The festival will also include an amazing spectacle of music, colour and non-stop action which is aimed at appealing to both existing fans of the sport and new spectators.
Richard Thomas, chief executive of Chester Racecourse, added: “We expect this event to help to position Chester Racecourse as a major event venue in the area in addition to raising the equestrian profile of Chester and the North West.”
And Ed Gretton, clerk to Chester Racecourse, said: “These developments here in Chester have been tipped to change the sport dramatically – in the same way as 20/20 has transformed cricket.”
This year’s event is also expected to be the forerunner for future events of this type on both a larger scale in Chester at other venues across the country and abroad.
On the opening day, July 31, the Horse of the Year Show qualifier will take place. The two days will feature not only Peter Charles, but many Olympic hopefuls, including John and Michael Whitaker, in addition to some of the country’s highest ranking riders.
TICKETS are priced from £10 and are available from 01244 304610 or visit www.chester-races.com
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