Redundancies at troubled Great Leighs course

Great Leighs' administrators have announced they will not be seeking a temporary racing licence for the track following discussions with the British Horseracing Authority.

Britain's newest course was operating under a temporary licence until earlier in the month, when the BHA refused it an extension.

Deloitte were appointed as administrators to the group of companies that own and operate Great Leighs shortly afterwards.

A deadline has been set for interested parties to submit indicative offers by the close of business by 6 February, with a view to completing a sale of the Essex track shortly afterwards.

A statement from the administrators said that as a consequence of the decision not to seek a temporary licence, it has unfortunately been necessary to make 17 staff, predominantly in racing related roles, redundant.

Carlton Siddle, Joint Administrator and Deloitte Partner, said: "While the joint administrators will not be applying for a temporary racing licence, we are hopeful that a sale of the business and the granting of a full licence to the new owners can be achieved, allowing the new owners to stage the remaining 2009 fixtures.

"In the absence of racing at Great Leighs we have unfortunately had to make today's redundancies. We are grateful to the management and staff of Great Leighs for their supports during this uncertain time."

British Horseracing Authority Media Relations Manager Paul Struthers added: "At present all fixtures are owned by Essex County Showground Group Limited (in administration) but they do not have a licence.

"If there is to be a restructuring involving the transfer of fixtures then any prospective purchaser will have to have the consent of the Authority and if they wish to operate as a racecourse they will have to apply for and be granted a licence."