BRITISH racecourse Chelmsford has been forced to cancel all its fixtures with immediate effect.
A seven-race card was due to take place at the all-weather Essex track tomorrow.
There will be no fixtures held at Chelmsford racecourse for the foreseeableCredit: Getty
But the venue’s future is uncertain after the British Horseracing Authority refused to grant a licence to a new operator.
Chelmsford was previously run by Great Leighs Estates Limited (GLEL) but they have been placed into administration.
The BHA board decided it ‘did not consider it appropriate’ to grant a new racecourse licence to Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL).
A BHA statement said the decision was made ‘having considered the matter carefully and taken full account of the points raised’.
The reasons behind the decision remain confidential.
It comes as so ‘immediate’ work could begin on the track.
Regarding Chelmsford, the BHA statement continued: “The Board’s decision means GMRL is not licensed to stage any fixtures, pending the outcome of any appeal.
“This means that regrettably no further fixtures will be staged at Chelmsford pending the outcome of any appeal process.
“This includes the fixtures on 2 April, 3 April and 9 April.
“The fixture that took place on 26 March went ahead under the old licence holder GLEL and with agreement of the administrator.
“However, the licence held by GLEL expired on 31 March and so future fixtures required a new licence holder to be in place.
“The fixtures on 2 April and 3 April will not be rescheduled.
“Plans for future fixtures including 9 April 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 participants – especially trainers, staff and jockeys – as well as racegoers.”
More to follow.
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