Chelmsford City's Next Three Fixtures Transferred to Southwell — BHA Confirms Dates
The BHA has today announced that the 23 rdApril, 30th April and 7th May meetings will move to Southwell, with the Listed Chelmer Stakes heading to Goodwood
The British Horseracing Authority has today moved to protect the racing programme disrupted by the ongoing Chelmsford City Racecourse licensing crisis, confirming that three upcoming fixtures will be relocated — and providing important news for connections involved in two of the track's most prestigious races.
In an official statement released today, the BHA confirmed: "The next three fixtures scheduled to take place at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Thursday 23rd April, Thursday 30th April and Thursday 7th May will now be held at Southwell."
Race Programmes Replicated as Closely as Possible
The BHA has moved swiftly to minimise disruption for owners, trainers and jockeys, confirming that "the new cards at all three fixtures will replicate as closely as possible the originally scheduled race programme." Full details are to follow on Racing Admin.
However, two of Chelmsford's headline races required special arrangements given their status.
The Cardinal Stakes, a Conditions race, will retain its original date and will be run as part of the Southwell fixture on 23rd April. Due to the complexities of rescheduling a race of its nature, it will be run for a reduced prize fund of £30,000.
The Listed Chelmer Stakes — one of Chelmsford's most significant flat races — has been given a rather more glamorous new home. Originally scheduled for 30th April, it will now be run at Goodwood on Saturday 2nd May, retaining its full original prize fund of £60,000, with the added bonus of ITV coverage of the race.
The BHA statement noted it is "grateful to the racecourses involved and the Horserace Betting Levy Board for their contributions to prize money."
How Chelmsford Reached This Point
The crisis at Chelmsford City Racecourse stems from the collapse of its previous operating company. Great Leighs Estates Limited was placed in administration, prompting the formation of Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL) to take over the running of the track. Having considered the matter carefully and taken full account of representations made by GMRL, the BHA Board confirmed it did not consider it appropriate to grant a racecourse licence to the new company. The reasons for this decision were kept confidential.
Chelmsford City Racecourse subsequently cancelled all existing bookings for April and May fixtures, with affected customers to receive a full automatic refund within 28 days, and members and annual pass holders having their passes extended by two months. The racecourse has stated it is appealing the BHA's decision and intends to resume racing from June, with bookings from that point onwards remaining in place.
Full updated race programme details will be available on Racing Admin. For the latest news on Chelmsford City Racecourse's appeal and future fixtures, visit britishhorseracing.com