First races to be held at Great Leighs

Great Leighs racecourse is due to hold its first race meeting on April 4th 2008 after the inspectorate of the British Horse Racing Authority gave the go-ahead.

Great Leighs is the first new racecourse to open in the UK for over eighty years. It is situated just north of Chelmsford in Essex and promises racing all year round, with floodlights for winter evening race meetings.

A further eight fixtures are planned in April building towards a two day meeting at the end of May, by which time it is expected that the public grandstand and hospitality facilities will be fully operational.

John Holmes, the owner and promoter of the Great Leighs racecourse said,
“One must not expect a ‘grand opening;’ this is a completely new destination where safety will take precedence. We see April 4 as a ‘soft opening’ and if we can achieve the headline ‘Great Leighs goes off without a hitch’ that will be a triumph. “

“April 4 is the culmination of one dream and the start of another. We believe that Great Leighs will play an important role on the international stage of horse racing, as well as providing mid Essex with a destination that will benefit many facets of the local economy.”

For more information about Great Leighs racecourse including details of race meetings, tickets and future plans visit www.greatleighs.com

07/03/2008 23:25:13