Chelmsford City Racecourse faces immediate disruption as its next three fixtures, including the Good Friday meeting, are cancelled after the BHA refused to grant a licence to the new operating company, Golden Mile Racing Limited (GMRL).

GMRL was formed after the previous licence holder went into administration and had its licence decision reviewed following an oral and written representation process that followed the BHA’s preliminary ruling.

The BHA board issued a preliminary decision not to grant a licence to GMRL over the weekend, with the confidential reasons for the decision not disclosed.

The decision follows a prior 10,000-person limit imposed last July after about 23,000 attendees for a Justin Timberlake concert, citing safety concerns.

Chelmsford City had highlighted the festival’s value, noting more than £300,000 in prize-money, 123 declared horses, attendance above 8,000, and live ITV coverage, underscoring the disruption to fans, participants, and broadcasters.

Chelmsford City is appealing the decision through the BHA appeals process, arguing procedural unfairness and breach of BHA rules, and says it will pursue all avenues.

The BBC has contacted Chelmsford City Racecourse for comment.

Wednesday’s development is a major setback for the summer Flat season, as the venue hosted 38 meetings last year and its loss would create a notable gap in the schedule.

The BHA expressed regret over short-notice cancellations and noted the impact on trainers, staff, jockeys, and racegoers, with further updates to follow.

A BHA spokesperson stated the decision will impact owners and participants, including trainers, staff, and racegoers.

The licence decision adds significant doubt to the venue’s operations and future, pending the outcome of any appeal.

Timberlake’s 2025 walk-on involvement at a Chelmsford concert contributed to chaos, with about 25,000 attendees and long queues, part of the venue’s troubled recent history.