The warm weather is thought to have been a factor in attracting so many to the Roodee event on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Day one saw a crowd of 17,960 – 500 more than the previous year.

Ladies' Day on Thursday saw crowds of 22,300 turn up at the course.

Tickets for the County stand and Tattersalls stand were sold out in advance.

The final day on Friday, known as City Day, attracted the biggest turnout of 24,264.

Football star Michael Owen, ex-Liverpool legend John Barnes and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson all made appearances in their private boxes.

Other stars at the meeting included Hollyoaks actress Ashley Slanina-Davies who plays Amy Barnese.

Staff from Chester City FC were at the meeting on Wednesday including owner Stephen Vaughan and managing director Bob Gray.

Chief executive Richard Thomas said: "It's been a fantastic three days and the crowds have been brilliant.

"We've had an attendance of 24,264 today and nearly 65,000 over the three days which is a record for the May meeting. After a shower before racing we got away with good weather again on Friday.

"The racing has been top class and it's on to June now."