The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed it will not grant a racecourse licence to Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL), preventing the company from operating Chelmsford City Racecourse (CCR) and leading to the cancellation of upcoming fixtures.
The decision follows a review process initiated after the previous licence holder, Great Leighs Estates Limited (GLEL), entered administration.
GMRL was established as the prospective new operator and was given the opportunity to present both written and oral submissions to the BHA Board, including legal representation.
After considering these submissions on 31 March, the Board upheld its preliminary position not to issue a licence. The regulator stated that the reasons for its decision remain confidential, in line with its policies.
As a result, GMRL is currently unable to stage any race meetings at the venue. Fixtures scheduled for early April, including those on 2, 3 and 9 April, have been cancelled, with no plans to reschedule the first two dates.
Further updates regarding future racing at the course are expected in due course.
The final fixture under GLEL’s licence took place on 26 March, with the operator’s licence expiring on 31 March. A new licence was therefore required for any subsequent racing activity.
Under the Rules of Racing, GMRL has the right to appeal the decision to an independent Licensing Committee. Any appeal must be initiated within 21 days of receiving the written reasons for refusal.
The BHA acknowledged the disruption caused by the cancellations, noting the impact on racegoers, owners and industry participants, including trainers, jockeys and stable staff.
The Chelmsford ruling is the latest in a series of notable developments for the BHA in recent weeks. The authority criticised the UK Government’s decision to maintain the current Horserace Betting Levy rate following a near three-year review – a move BHA CEO Brant Dunshea, who was confirmed in the role permanently in March, described as disappointing.
Racecourse licences in the UK are issued under strict regulatory criteria, and operators must meet financial, operational and integrity standards set by the BHA before staging fixtures
