I found it saddening this week to learn that Great Leighs has had its racecourse licence taken away. I'm not one to question whether it was because of poor financial management by John Holmes and his team or if building a racecourse in this time of economic uncertainty was a bad idea, but it would be a shame to let this exciting new project go to waste.
Admittedly, the course was not complete when it opened last year and there is still a fair bit of work to be done even now but I liked the place. Everyone was catered for well: owners are the people who fuel racing and these were looked after with a free buffet and comfortable bar; stable workers all got a free meal and there always seems to be a good crowd so they must be happy. Not many tracks can boast these qualities. The Newmarket July course is one which lets owners and trainers down catering wise.
My only quim on the place would be the grandstand. It is not a permenant solution that's for sure. Viewing is poor and the facilities inside it are pretty basic but money is obviously tight at the track so we'll have to do with it for now.
Although it has its haters, Great Leighs should be the future of all weather racing. It was starting to attract good horses and the prize money was decent as well. Alastair Down has sworn that he will 'never go to Great Leighs or bet on virtual horses.' But he had a bet at Steepledowns just the other day. And he liked it.
If Great Leighs is re-opened I think he should go. He'll like it.
Look out for my Cheltenham anti-post feature coming sooooon.
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