Racing could soon return to a popular Essex racecourse whose future has hung in the balance after it was refused a licence.
Hopes have been reignited for Chelmsford City Racecourse after a fresh agreement was reached between Arena Racing Company (ARC), freeholders Moulsham Hall Estates Ltd, and the racecourse itself.
No races have been held at the Essex track since March, when the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) refused to grant a licence to Golden Mile Racing Limited, the racecourse's operating company.
Martin Cruddace, chief executive of ARC, said: "Racing at Chelmsford City Racecourse is hugely important to the fixture list and we are therefore delighted to work with the freeholders to reach agreement that will allow racing to return to the venue.
"We are in discussion with BHA with regards to the relevant licences required to resume racing as soon as possible."
The licensing issue arose after the previous licence holder, Great Leighs Estates Limited, was placed in administration.
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A new company was formed to take over operations, but without a BHA licence, racing could not continue.
The new agreement allows all parties to enter a period of exclusivity in order to enter into a long-term, legally binding arrangement.
A BHA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the agreement that has been reached regarding Chelmsford City racecourse. We will consider any licence application once it has been submitted.”
Three fixtures were cancelled back in April, including the track’s Good Friday event.
An appeal against the licensing refusal failed in June.
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