A new temporary racing licence is not being sought for Great Leighs racecourse, administrators Deloitte have announced.
And as a result 17 members of staff, mostly in racing-related roles, have been made redundant.
The administrators are still looking for a buyer for the Essex track in order for racing to continue.
Interested parties have until Friday 6 February to put forward an offer, and it is hoped a sale will be completed shortly afterwards.
And subject to satisfying the requirements for a new licence the buyer will be able to run the allocated fixtures for Great Leighs in 2009.
Deloitte also confirmed that they are not in detailed negotiations with any one specific party and that all avenues and expressions of interest continue to be explored.
Carlton Siddle, joint administrator and Deloitte partner, said: “While the joint administrators will not be applying for a temporary racing licence, we are hopeful that a sale of the business and the granting of a full licence to the new owners can be achieved, allowing the new owners to stage the remaining 2009 fixtures.
“In the absence of racing at Great Leighs we have unfortunately had to make today’s redundancies. We are grateful to the management and staff of Great Leighs for their supports during this uncertain time.”
