Chester May Festival Prepares for Uncertain Outcomes in Key Races

Aidan O'Brien aims for an eleventh win in the Chester Vase Stakes at the 2025 Boodles Chester May Festival with his promising colt Lambourn, a Listed winner stepping up in distance who could secure a place in next month's Epsom Derby if successful. Lambourn, who showed early potential as a juvenile and recently finished second on his seasonal return, faces competition from Ralph Beckett's runners Pinhole and Square D'Alboni, as well as the unbeaten Convergent and Andrew Balding's Further. The Chester Vase is regarded as a key Epsom Derby trial, with several of O'Brien's previous winners advancing to major successes in subsequent classics. The festival also features notable fillies such as Minnie Hauck and That's Amore in other races, reflecting a strong field of well-bred prospects. Live streaming of the Chester races is available through major online bookmakers for account holders. The festival follows a weekend where Godolphin dominated the first two English Classics, but Coolmore looks to respond strongly at Chester.