Horseracing set to return to Chelmsford City Racecourse this November
A new multi-year lease deal will bring the venue under Arena Racing Company management
Horseracing is set to return to Chelmsford City Racecourse in November under new management.
Arena Racing Company (ARC) has acquired a multi-year lease of the venue from the freeholders, Chelmsford City Racecourse Ltd.
As holder of the racecourse licence, ARC will take complete control of all racing operations, as well as the non-racing events business.
The return of racing is subject to the completion of the British Horseracing Authority's racecourse licensing process.
The fixture on Monday 2nd November 2026 is provisionally earmarked for the first meeting under ARC management.
Five further fixtures are scheduled for the remainder of 2026, on 5th and 26th November, and 3rd, 10th and 17th December.
Racing from the venue will also return to live television broadcast on Sky Sports Racing and The Racing Partnership.
All fixtures due to take place between reopening and Good Friday, 26th March 2027, will count towards the 2026/27 ARC £1,000,000 All-Weather Bonus scheme.
Pool betting from the racecourse will be hosted and operated by Britbet.
Paul Ellison, Executive Director of Brighton Racecourse, will oversee the day-to-day operation of Chelmsford City Racecourse.
ARC Operations Director Kieran Gallagher said: "We are delighted to confirm the signing of the lease with the freeholders, and that racing will return to Chelmsford City Racecourse.
"We are grateful to the BHA for their ongoing support during the process currently underway of relicensing the racecourse and we look forward to getting everything prepared to welcome horses, owners, trainers and racegoers back in November, and starting a new era under the ARC banner."