The future of Chelmsford racecourse is in doubt after the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) refused to grant a new licence to the track's operator. The scheduled Easter fixtures on Thursday, Good Friday, and next week have been cancelled, with no further racing possible until financial issues are resolved.
This is the second closure for the venue, which first opened as Great Leighs racecourse in 2008 but ceased operations a year later. It reopened as Chelmsford City racecourse in 2015 but has encountered further difficulties, leading to Great Leighs Estates Limited being placed into administration last month.
The BHA confirmed that an application from Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL) to operate the track was not granted. A statement said: 'GMRL representatives made their case to the Board on 31 March. Having considered the matter carefully, the Board’s position remained that it did not consider it appropriate to grant a racecourse licence. The reasons are confidential.'
GMRL has 21 days to appeal to the independent Licensing Committee. The BHA noted that the track's March 26 fixture went ahead under the previous licence, which expired on 31 March. The regulator added: 'It is regrettable these fixtures have been cancelled at such short notice. We recognise this will impact participants and racegoers.'
Chelmsford City stated that the BHA had outlined a four-point criteria for the licence transfer, which were fully met, but the BHA reversed its position, introducing new challenges with limited time for response. The racecourse said it had made every effort to avoid cancellation.
