Two English racecourses to close

LONDON, July 28 PA - English racing has been hit with a reality check about the viability of racecourses with the shock news Hereford and Folkestone are to close at the end of the year.

It is hoped that Folkestone's demise will only be temporary but Hereford will be no more after being in business for 141 years.

Owners Arena Leisure and Northern Racing made the announcement after attempts to extend Hereford's lease from Herefordshire County Council were unsuccessful.

Folkestone could re-open in the future if planning permission is granted for a residential development on the site which could result in a total revamp of the course.

Tony Kelly, managing director of Arena and Northern Racing, said the company had attempted to keep Hereford going.

"Hereford is owned by Herefordshire County Council and run under a lease arrangement," Kelly said.

"Attempts to extend the lease, which has 17 years remaining, have been unsuccessful.

"Despite being unviable for several years we have supported the racecourse but much-needed investment, required to breathe new life into the racecourse, cannot be justified in the absence of a long-term future for the business.

"Folkestone suffers from outdated facilities and has been the subject of detailed discussion between the previous management, Arena Leisure, and Shepway District Council for several years now.

"The proposal for the site incorporated significant residential development, which would have enabled a new racecourse to be constructed with much enhanced amenities.

"However, these plans have been delayed following the recent Examination in Public of the local plan."

Northern Racing is owned by businessmen David and Simon Reuben, who bought out Arena Leisure plc in March 2012.

Arena and Northern Racing is now Britain's largest racecourse group.

Paul Bittar, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, believes racing's "outdated" financial model is the root cause behind the closures.

"This decision is a matter for Northern Racing and Arena Leisure. We recognise and respect the commercial pressures that lie behind it," he said in a statement.

"While British racing is immensely popular on many levels, and enjoyed record attendances last year, the fact is that the sport's financial model remains badly outdated.

"This undoubtedly makes life very difficult for all who depend on the sport for their living and it also impacts upon racecourses, particularly smaller ones."

Hereford is leading jockey Richard Johnson's local track and the course where he rode his first ever winner.

"It's a massive shock," he said. "I'm really disappointed.

"Hereford has always been a well attended course and I'm surprised it's not making money. I'm sure the local people will be really disappointed."

Folkestone is John Best's local track and the trainer expressed his sadness at the news at the loss of the only course in Kent.

"They get quite good crowds there especially for some of the jumps meetings and the evening meetings during the summer are busy. This news is not good for us and not good for racing in general," Best said.