Chelmsford Racecourse has CANCELLED their Good Friday fixture and two more meetings as doubts grow around the future of the track.
Good Friday Meeting At Chelmsford Racecourse Cancelled
Chelmsford Racecourse has been operated by Great Leighs Estates Limited for a number of years now, but the company went into administration recently.
The Essex track originally opened as Great Leighs racecourse in 2008, but was shut down just a year later due to financial difficulties.
It would reopen in 2015, but issues have been ongoing at the track since last October last year.
This news comes shortly after Cheltenham also cancelled three meetings due to a completeley different reason.
There was due to be three meetings in the next week at Chelmsford, including on Good Friday.
Golden Mile Racing Limited are supposedly going to be operating the track, but approval for racing has not been confirmed. This means racing is cancelled at Chelmsford until this is sorted.
2026 Chelmsford Racecourse Meetings Cancelled
- Thursday 2nd April 2026
- Friday 3rd April 2026
- Thursday 9th April 2026
BHA Release Statement On Chelmsford Racecourse
“The Board’s decision means Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL) is not licensed to stage any fixtures, pending the outcome of any appeal.
“This means that regrettably, no further fixtures will be staged at Chelsmford pending the outcome of any appeal process, including the fixtures on April 2nd, April 3rd and April 9th.
“The fixture that took place on March 26th went ahead under the old licence holder Great Leighs Estates Limited (GLEL) and with agreement of the administrator.
“However, the licence held by GLEL expired on March 31st and so future fixtures required a new licence holder to be in place.
“The fixtures on April 2nd and April 3rd will not be rescheduled.
“Plans for future fixtures on April 9th will be announced in due course.
“The BHA has weorked tirelessly with stakeholders to deliver this week’s fixtures.
“It is regrettable they have been cancelled at such short notice.
“We recognise this will impact participants – especially trainers, staff and jockeys – as well as racegoers.”
Chelsmford Racecourse Hosts More Than 50 Meetings A Year
Since reopening in 2015, Chelsmford fixtures have reached over 50 almost every single year.
With the recent news, there could be up to 40 fixtures at risk as Chelmsford opens their doors most weeks.
Notable Races At Chelmsford
- May – Chelmer Fillies’ Stakes (Listed, 6f)
- June – Queen Charlotte Fillies’ Stakes (Listed, 7f)
