The Jockey Club, the private body that has governed British racing for nearly 300 years, appears close to realising its long-standing ambition to bulldoze Kempton Park racecourse for housing. The revelation came in an interview with new chief executive Jim Mullen, who told the Racing Post that an option to develop the site, negotiated with developer Redrow in 2018, remains in place. Although Mullen said no concrete plans have been agreed since he took over in April 2025, the timing is significant as the government's planning and infrastructure bill, which limits local councils' power to block developments, awaits royal assent.
The initial plan, first proposed in 2017, envisaged 3,000 homes on the 147-year-old site, which is close to the M25 and has a rail link to London Waterloo in 46 minutes. The Jockey Club's original proposals met widespread opposition from fans, trainers, jockeys, owners, and Spelthorne borough council. An alternative plan in 2020 suggested 500 homes while preserving racing, but it is now clear that Redrow has held an effective 12-year option on the land since 2018, a fact the Jockey Club did not disclose publicly until now.
Kempton is home to the prestigious King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, a race won by legends such as Arkle, Desert Orchid, and Kauto Star. The track is also a key training ground for trainers in Lambourn, including Nicky Henderson, who once threatened to lie in front of bulldozers. Despite its importance to jump racing and its profitable all-weather Flat programme, which generates significant media rights income, the Jockey Club has been accused of acting like 'old-style lords of the manor' by keeping the development option secret from racing fans and stakeholders.
The Jockey Club, which operates under a royal charter and claims to act for the long-term good of British racing, is governed by nine stewards elected from around 200 members recruited by invitation only. Critics argue that the Kempton saga highlights a feudal approach to decision-making, with the club effectively relinquishing control of the land years ago without consulting the sport's community. If Redrow exercises its option, the new planning bill could ensure that local opposition or the site's green belt status will not prevent development.
