Golden Mile Racing Limited has lost its appeal against the BHA Board’s refusal of a licence to operate Chelmsford City Racecourse, after the independent Licensing Committee dismissed the case on Friday.
The British Horseracing Authority said the private hearing concerned Golden Mile’s attempt to overturn the Board’s decision on the Essex all-weather venue. The committee’s initial findings, published on 26 June, refused the application and dismissed the appeal, with full written reasons still to follow.
The ruling is a significant governance moment for Chelmsford because it leaves the course’s short-term racing position unresolved rather than handing control to Golden Mile. According to the BHA statement on Golden Mile Racing Limited, the committee found that the applicant had not satisfied it that a licence should be granted.
Chelmsford fixtures stay with administrator
The BHA added that Chelmsford City Racecourse’s 12 racecourse fixtures remain with Great Leighs Estates Limited’s administrator and may be sold or transferred to a licensed racecourse operator, subject to BHA consent.
That makes the next stage crucial for trainers, owners and the wider race programme. The BHA said its racing department will keep working with the National Trainers Federation, trainers, owners and other stakeholders to maintain sufficient opportunities for horses while the licensing picture develops.
The regulator also said it will consider the committee’s full written reasons before making a more substantive comment.
