The Chester Cup is a flathandicaphorse 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.
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.