The new Great Leighs racecourse will be tested on 4 April

The debut meeting at Great Leighs, Britain's first new racecourse in 81 years, has been further delayed.

The opening of the Essex track was due to take place on 4 April.

But the ceremony has now been postponed until 20 April because the completion of ground works has been disrupted by recent bad weather.

The owners of the circuit, near Chelmsford, and the British Horseracing Authority have agreed the 4 April date will now be a test day.

A number of jockeys and trainers are expected to attend.

The delay is the latest setback to have hit the racecourse, which was originally scheduled to have been completed 18 months ago.