racing_news/

Chester Gives Two Derby Trials Final Chance
26/04/05

Chester's May Festival - Wednesday, May 4 to Friday, May 6 - has two historic Derby trials, the MBNA Europe Bank Chester Vase and the Dee Stakes sponsored by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone and Halliwells, again this year but it could be for the last time unless trainers and owners back them properly.

Richard Thomas, Chester Racecourse's Chief Executive, commented today: "We need support for the MBNA Europe Bank Chester Vase and the Dee Stakes sponsored by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone and Halliwells to keep the two of them going in the future.

"We have tried hard to encourage runners for both in the last couple of years and this effort needs to be rewarded next week.

"We went over to Ireland recently to talk to the trainers and owners there about the Chester classic trials and received a good response.

"Aidan O'Brien has already made an entry in the totesport Chester Cup and it is very encouraging that he has plans for other runners during the week, including Gypsy King in the Dee Stakes sponsored by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone and Halliwells and Almighty in the MBNA Europe Bank Chester Vase.

"Hopefully, other Irish trainers and owners will make entries too and we have written to British trainers through Weatherbys and, barring the going and the weather which we cannot control, there are really no excuses for not backing these Derby trials."

The MBNA Bank Europe Chester Vase, run over 12 furlongs and 66 yards on Thursday, May 5, and the Dee Stakes sponsored by Aberdeen Murray Johnstone and Halliwells, which takes place over 10 furlongs and 75 yards on Friday, May 6, both close for entries on Saturday, April 30.

Two of the last six Derby winners have won the Dee Stakes - Kris Kin in 2003 and Oath in 1999, while the Vase also has a distinguished record as a trial, with three Derby winners since 1980 - Quest For Fame, Shergar and Henbit.

Chester's two Derby trials, which have Group Three status, each carry £65,000 in prize money, while the top prize for classic trials run elsewhere so far this year has been £50,000.

There were six runners last year in the Chester Vase after seven were declared while three ran in the Dee Stakes following six declarations. The defections came about primarily because the ground softened. The declaration arrangements for both races have changed to 24 hours rather than the 48 hours in existence last year.

The Dee Stakes has new sponsors this year. Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity (AMJPE) is the private equity division of Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited while Halliwells is one of the UK's leading commercial law firms with offices in Manchester, London, Liverpool and Sheffield.