There could still be racing at Great Leighs before 2011

The British Horseracing Authority has rejected an application by a company seeking to run Great Leighs racecourse.

The track has been closed since going into administration on 16 January and there may be no racing at the all-weather flat course until 2011.

That is because the BHA said a licence would be needed by 29 May if the Essex course was to obtain fixtures for 2010.

Great Leighs was Britain's first new racecourse in 81 years when it opened in April 2008, but soon hit problems.

There is a chance racing could still take place at the track before 2011.

Deloitte, the administrators of original operators Essex County Showground Group Limited, retain a lease of 12 fixtures in 2010 that have yet to be reallocated.

And there are also this year's remaining fixtures to consider. If they are not switched to other courses, Great Leighs could still end up hosting race days this summer.

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