Great Leighs gets the green light for first race meeting
Britain’s first new racecourse in 81 years is finally under starter’s orders.
Following an inspection at 9am today, Friday 18 April, Great Leighs has been given the go-ahead to hold its first race meeting this Sunday, 20 April.
Paul Struthers from the British Horseracing Authority said: “Great Leighs has passed this morning’s inspection and declarations for Sunday’s fixture will therefore be accepted.
“Minor preparatory work will continue today and tomorrow. However, barring unforeseen circumstances, racing at Great Leighs on Sunday goes ahead.”
Great Leighs spokesman Pippa Cuckson added: “We are very pleased indeed — it’s been a long time coming. It was touch and go as to whether the BHA would pass us in time for the first meeting. We are relieved and excited about making history.”
The Essex-based track was due to open in October 2006 but has since suffered a series of postponements for reasons including building problems and bad weather.
The meeting on Sunday is for invited guests only — the first race meeting open to the public will be on 28/29 May.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.