Great Leighs racecourse fixture bid refused

The owners of Great Leighs racecourse have had a bid to host fixtures in 2013 turned down by the British Horseracing Authority.

The Board of the BHA considered an application from MC Racetracks Limited

Will Lambe, head of external affairs at the BHA, said: "We have informed those involved with the submission of the board's concerns.

"We have said they are welcome to submit an application to be part of the 2014 fixture list."

Great Leighs, near Chelmsford in Essex, was the first new track to open in 81 years when it was established in April 2008.

However, it went into administration within a year, hosting its last fixture in January 2009.

MC Racetracks bought the all-weather facility in November 2011.