Horse racing is set to return to Chelmsford City Racecourse next month after a deal was struck to bring the Essex venue back into operation following months of uncertainty.
Arena Racing Company (ARC) has announced it will begin managing the racecourse from Monday, November 2, when the track is scheduled to host its first fixture under the new arrangement.
The company has secured a multi-year lease and will take full control of both racing operations and the venue's wider events business.
The reopening marks a significant turnaround for the racecourse, which has not staged racing since March after operator Great Leighs Estates Limited entered administration.
The venue's future had been thrown into doubt amid licensing and ownership issues, with several scheduled fixtures transferred elsewhere while efforts were made to find a solution.
Chelmsford City Racecourse, which features a left-handed oval all-weather track, will welcome racegoers back in November, with general admission tickets set to go on sale for the opening meeting.
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Five further race meetings are scheduled before the end of 2026, including fixtures on November 5 and November 26, followed by meetings on December 3, December 10 and December 17.
Racing at the venue will also return to live television coverage on Sky Sports Racing.
In July, ARC reached an agreement with the racecourse's freeholders to bring racing back to the venue after months of disruption.
The company is now awaiting the completion of the British Horseracing Authority's licensing process before racing officially resumes.
Kieran Gallagher, ARC's operations director, said: "We are delighted to confirm the signing of the lease with the freeholders, and that racing will return to Chelmsford City Racecourse.
"We are grateful to the BHA for their ongoing support during the process currently underway of relicensing the racecourse and we look forward to getting everything prepared to welcome horses, owners, trainers and racegoers back in November, and starting a new era under the ARC banner."
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