Great Leighs is the first new English course since 1927

Britain's newest racecourse, Great Leighs, has received a mixed reaction from the 3,500 people who turned up to test facilities for the first time.

The �30m flat track in Essex is the first new venue since Taunton in 1927.

"The enthusiastic thanks I have had back from owners and trainers show they are delighted with what we have done," said the track's owner John Holmes.

"We have had a mix of views from the general public and with every meeting we are learning and changing."

The course was due to open in October 2006 but has been beset by problems.

It finally held its official opening on 20 April, with racegoers getting their first opportunity to inspect the facilities on 28 May.

606: DEBATE This track is NOWHERE near ready for public use Thewaywardlad

Over 100 staff worked to ensure the opening would go ahead after the British Horseracing Authority called a last-minute inspection due to "exceptional weather and the installation of additional infrastructure".

However, criticism has been levelled over the lack of facilities, bar prices, lack of children's entertainment and a noisy, echoing public address system as well as the muddy conditions exacerbated by the recent heavy rainfall.

And Holmes explained: "We have three weeks to our next meeting and every time people come back they should notice a difference.

"If this had been one of our trial days then we probably wouldn't have gone ahead as we had three inches of rain in three days.

"We have been working with a major event company to organise today but the weather has made that almost impossible.

It is very clear that we have a great track, and you can only be as good as your track Track owner John Holmes

"It is very clear that we have a great track, and you can only be as good as your track," he added.

"We were clear in saying that today was not for children and there was no children's entertainment.

"Great Leighs will have a couple of family race days a year, but this is an adult entertainment venue.

"We have our foot on the gas and are going forward."