English/Ire
Chelmsford City loses licence to host meetings
The future of Chelmsford City Racecourse hangs in the balance after they have lost their licence to host fixtures.
The upcoming meeting on Thursday and the high-profile fixture on Good Friday have both been cancelled with no plan to reschedule, with the BHA stating that "no further fixtures will be staged at Chelmsford pending the outcome of any appeal process".
Chelmsford had been operated by the company Great Leighs Estates Limited until they went into administration last week, with Thursday's meeting only able to go ahead after special dispensation by the BHA.
Entries were permitted by the BHA for upcoming fixtures this week on the basis that Golden Mile Racing Limited would take over the running of the track.
However, on Wednesday, the BHA revealed that they "did not consider it appropriate" to hand them a licence following a presentation to the board.
A statement from the BHA read: "This means that regrettably no further fixtures will be staged at Chelmsford pending the outcome of any appeal process.
"The fixtures on April 2 and April 3 will not be rescheduled. Plans for future fixtures including April 9 will be announced in due course. The BHA has worked tirelessly with stakeholders to deliver this week's fixtures. It is regrettable they have been cancelled at such short notice.
"We recognise this will impact owners, participants – especially trainers, staff and jockeys – as well as racegoers. Further updates as regards this situation will be provided as appropriate."
Golden Mile Racing Limited has the option to appeal the board's decision to the independent Licensing Committee, with the appeal needing to be lodged to the Judicial Panel Executive within 21 days.
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