The all-weather track could be completed by 2005

The plans, which go before Forest Heath District Council's planning committee on Wednesday, could see a new one-mile course running next to the Rowley Mile course.

At present meetings only take place at Newmarket from April to November - when the ground is good enough for the horses to race on.

In the winter months owners, trainers and jockeys have to go elsewhere - to all-weather tracks or abroad.

But the loss of revenue during that time has led Racecourse Holdings Trust (RHT), the parent company of Newmarket Racecourses, to look at extending its season.

Help to create jobs

It wants to create an all weather track - made of special sand.

Council officers examining the planning application said in a report that the new track would "help maintain and enhance the local economy".

Sport England said the scheme would help create more jobs.

The Racecourse Holdings Trust (RHT) hopes the track would be completed by 2005.

When the plans were unveiled in June, Richard Johnston, managing director of RHT said: "We aim to play a role in helping to improve and upgrade all weather racing and any success we have will benefit the industry, for all our profits are reinvested in racing.