CHESTER Racecourse is the world's oldest racecourse still in operation – and that's official.

Chief executive of Chester Race Company Richard Thomas made the special announcement at a preview event for a new Chester Racecourse pop-up exhibition last week at the Chester Grosvenor

Museum.

Ahead of the unveiling of ‘Going the Distance - 480 Years of Racing at the Roodee’, a pop-up exhibition to commemorate 480 years of racing at Chester Racecourse, it was revealed to guests in attendance Chester Racecourse has been awarded an official Guinness World Record title.

Chester is now officially recognised by Guinness as the ‘oldest racecourse still in operation’ – a world first.

Established as a racecourse in 1539 under decree of Mayor Henry Gee, the famous site of the Roodee dates back to Roman times and presents a rich tapestry throughout the ages.

From changes to the landscape to racing industry firsts, Chester has never been a racecourse to stand still.

As attentions turn to the impending new season at Chester, a collective narrative that brings to life the history of Chester Racecourse is being unveiled at the Chester Grosvenor Museum.

Members of the public can visit the pop-up exhibition free of charge between now and October 6 to learn about the history of the course and view artefacts and objects of interest.

To commemorate the milestone of 480 years, Chester Racecourse produced a special video which highlights some of the key moments in the course’s history, while unveiling some of the favourite memories and moments of individuals connected to Chester over the past few decades.

Michael Owen, joint owner of Manor House Stables and racehorse owner, said: “Owning a horse, the whole buzz that goes with it and having a runner at Chester, my home track, was the start of a love affair that lasts to this day.”

Richard Thomas, CEO of Chester Race Company, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be have been presented the title of Oldest Racecourse still in Operation by Guinness World Records.

"The accolade couldn’t have come at a better time as we celebrate our 480th year on the Roodee and are about to begin another season of racing at Chester.

"We are so proud of the engaging, immersive experience we provide each raceday at Chester and believe the mix of atmosphere, colour and vibrancy we produce is second to none.”

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.chester-races.com/latest/news/going-thedistance-480-years-of-racing-at-the-roodee.

Entrance to the museum is free, but objects as well as monetary donations are gladly welcomed.