Great Leighs Racecourse Finally Opens For Business
Friday 30th May 2008
After delays which have stretched to a couple of years it was a relief for many in the UK Horse Racing industry to see the first race go off at Great Leighs racecourse yesterday. However, while the racing went to plan and the opening of the first new track in the UK for 80 years was deemed a success, there still appear to be a number of issues which need addressing.
The Racing Authorities have come down very hard on the track owners after flooding on the side of the track threatened to swamp the underground tunnel which the riders and horses use to make their way to the start. There were also concerns that wile the track was finished, there are a number of unfinished areas around the development. While the owners have promised that these small issues will be resolved over the next few days the authorities will be monitoring the situation carefully.
For the record, the first race at Great Leighs went off on the 29th May at 2:30 and was won by Almaty Express, ridden by Darryll Holland – names which will go down in the history of the Great Leighs racecourse. It seems that UK horse racing is on the up..............
After delays which have stretched to a couple of years it was a relief for many in the UK Horse Racing industry to see the first race go off at Great Leighs racecourse yesterday. However, while the racing went to plan and the opening of the first new track in the UK for 80 years was deemed a success, there still appear to be a number of issues which need addressing.