Betfred owner attempts to resurrect Great Leighs

Betfred owner Fred Done is leading an attempt to resurrect the beleaguered racecourse at Great Leighs in Essex.

Mr Done and others have formed a new company to take on the track 2015. There is no grandstand, but the Polytrack surface remains in place.

Great Leighs opened in April 2008 but closed eight months later owing £23million. It was sold on to MC Racetracks, which has had two applications for fixtures turned down by the British Horseracing Authority.

Great Leighs founder John Holmes was arrested last month, but not charged, in connection with a £2.4m VAT fraud.

There is likely to be tough competition for a limited number of all-weather fixtures, as Catterick and Newcastle have both announced plans to install all-weather tracks.

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