The future of Kempton Park racecourse remains uncertain after the Jockey Club denied claims that the site is set to be bulldozed for housing, but confirmed that a strategic review of the venue's operations is ongoing. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation following reports that the Surrey racecourse, known for its all-weather track and jumps fixtures, would be sold for residential development.
Jockey Club Denies Immediate Demolition Plans
In a statement released on Friday, the Jockey Club said: "There are no plans to bulldoze Kempton Park for housing. Reports suggesting otherwise are incorrect." However, the organization acknowledged that it has been "reviewing the long-term future of the racecourse" as part of a broader assessment of its portfolio. The statement added that no decisions have been made and that any potential changes would involve consultation with stakeholders.
The denial comes after a report in the Racing Post claimed that the Jockey Club was in advanced talks with housing developers to sell the 210-acre site, which could fetch up to £100 million. The report suggested that the racecourse would close by 2028, sparking outrage among racing fans and industry figures.
Housing Development Rumors Persist
Despite the denial, sources close to the matter indicate that the Jockey Club has been exploring options for the site, which is located in a prime residential area of Sunbury-on-Thames. The land is estimated to be worth significantly more as housing than as a racecourse, and local authorities have identified it as a potential site for new homes as part of regional development plans.
The Jockey Club owns 15 racecourses across Britain, including Aintree and Cheltenham, and has previously sold other courses for development. In 2020, it sold the former site of Folkestone racecourse for housing. Kempton Park, which opened in 1878, has faced declining attendances and competition from other venues, leading to speculation that it may be the next to go.
Industry Reaction and Campaign to Save Kempton
The news has prompted a campaign by racing supporters to save Kempton Park. The course hosts the prestigious King George VI Chase in December, a key fixture in the jumps calendar. Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "Kempton is a vital part of the racing scene, especially for the winter jumps season. Losing it would be a huge blow."
The Racecourse Association also expressed concern, with chief executive David Armstrong stating: "We would be very disappointed to see Kempton close. It's an important venue for both flat and jumps racing."
Local residents have also voiced opposition to any development, citing increased traffic and loss of green space. A petition to save the racecourse has garnered over 5,000 signatures.
Strategic Review Underway
The Jockey Club's strategic review is expected to consider the financial viability of Kempton Park, which has seen a decline in race meetings over the past decade. The course currently hosts around 30 fixtures per year, down from 50 in the 1990s. The all-weather track, installed in 2006, has helped maintain a year-round calendar but has not reversed the trend of falling attendance.
Industry analysts suggest that the Jockey Club may be looking to consolidate its operations, focusing on more profitable venues. However, any decision to sell Kempton Park would require approval from the British Horseracing Authority and could face legal challenges from racing stakeholders.
The Jockey Club has promised to provide further updates once the review is complete, but no timeline has been given. In the meantime, racing at Kempton Park continues as scheduled, with the next meeting set for July 10.
