Great Leighs ‘could have new owners by end of next week’

Great Leighs could be under new ownership by the end of next week after the joint administrators confirmed a buyer for the track has been found.

Racing has not taken place at the former Essex showground site since January.

Administrators Deloitte have reached an agreement Terry Chambers, the owner of a polo club in Essex, with the deal set to be completed by the end of next week.

Carlton Siddle, joint administrator and Deloitte partner, said: "We have entered into an exclusivity agreement with Terry Chambers, the owner of Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club in Essex, to purchase the Great Leighs racing complex.

"We aim to exchange contracts on Friday, May 15.

"Assuming that the contracts are exchanged, then responsibility for resolving any outstanding issues around the site and for obtaining a racing licence for Great Leighs will pass to the new owner."

Paul Struthers, media relations manager for the British Horseracing Authority, said: "We are aware of the news today of a potential buyer for assets currently owned by companies within the Great Leighs group of companies, which is in administration.

"However, as far as issues related to racing at the Great Leighs racecourse are concerned, the situation remains unchanged.

"We have not received a licence application and will not speculate on whether or not Great Leighs will be able to partake in the 2010 fixture process."