The independent Licensing Committee has today published its initial findings from an appeal hearing that was held this week regarding the decision of the BHA Board to reject an application for a racecourse licence on the site of Chelmsford City Racecourse by Golden Mile Racing Limited.

In line with the rules of racing regarding licensing matters this hearing was held in private.

The outcome of the Licensing Committee hearing can be found here: https://judicialpanel.britishhorseracing.com/results/result/?id=2798. Their decision was that the application was refused and the appeal dismissed.

The Licensing Committee has indicated that further written reasons will follow in due course.

In response to this, the BHA has issued the following statement.

“We acknowledge the decision announced by the Licensing Committee today to dismiss the appeal by Golden Mile Racing Limited against the BHA’s decision to refuse it a licence to operate Chelmsford City Racecourse.

“We note the Committee’s finding that it was the applicant’s responsibility to satisfy the Committee that a licence should be granted and that the material provided, including late and insufficiently detailed evidence, failed to do that.

“We also acknowledge the Committee’s finding that the BHA Executive and Board had been ‘misled as to the likelihood of an administration by John Holmes and that Great Leighs Estates Limited (GLEL) had not been frank about its indebtedness’.

“Chelmsford City Racecourse’s 12 Racecourse Fixtures remain with GLEL’s Administrator and may be sold or transferred to a licensed racecourse operator, with the consent of the BHA.

“The BHA’s racing department will continue to work with the National Trainers Federation, trainers, owners and other stakeholders to provide sufficient opportunities for horses within the race programme.

“With due regard to the Committee’s decision-making process, we will carefully consider the full written reasons when they are published in due course before making a more substantive comment.”