Great Leighs given go-ahead for historic meet

This afternoon's meeting at Great Leighs has been given the all-clear.

The Essex track successfully staged, at the British Horseracing Authority's request, a 9am inspection.

Officials at the course and a BHA inspector of courses assessed the situation following logistical issues relating to the judge's tower and access for emergency vehicles.

The meeting received the green light and will open its doors to the general public for the first time as scheduled.

Great Leighs director of communications, Pippa Cuckson, said: "They (the BHA) did always say we would pass the inspection, and so did we.

"These things are sent to try us and it's very character-building.

"We are pleased to be racing and hope the weather will be kinder to us today than it has been since Saturday.

"We are OK to race, so on we go.

"We should have done it (the work) before but when it was scheduled to be done, it rained.

"We have now done the work so let us move forward from there," Cuckson told At The Races.

The BHA's director of communications Paul Struthers said: "Our inspector of courses Nicky Carlisle visited Great Leighs again this morning and he was happy that the work that had been requested to have been carried out had been completed.

"Therefore racing is able to go ahead today."