Chester's ancient racetrack, on the western side of the walls in what was once the Roman harbour, has been hosting races since the 16th century. The season kicks off with the three-day May Festival, followed by 12 separate days or evenings of racing spread throughout the summer.
It gets its name from the small cross (known as the 'rood') on the mound in the middle of the course; Roodee is a corruption of 'rood eye', or Island of the Cross.