CHELMSFORD CITY RACECOURSE


Chelmsford City racecourse was originally opened in April 2008 under the name of Great Leighs, and in opening became the first new racecourse in the UK for over 80 years. Great Leighs was closed in January 2009 less than a year after opening. The course was re-opened in January 2015 as Chelmsford City racecourse. The actual track surface, and layout hasn't changed. It is an all weather course and also has the benefit of floodlights.

Chelmsford City racecourse

Key Characteristics

The Chelmsford City surface is polytrack, and unlike the other two polytrack courses (Kempton and Lingfield) it is a galloping track and most horses can act on it. There seems to have been a definite bias towards front runners. The draw bias stats include the time when the racecourse was called Great Leighs as the track configuration and surface have not altered.


There is a large bias favouring front runners and it is very hard to come from behind at Chelmsford.

Course map


Chelmsford City racecourse map

Interesting Facts about Chelmsford City Racecourse

  • The racecourse first opened in 2008 under the name Great Leighs.
  • Its opening made it the first completely new racecourse in Britain for more than 80 years.
  • The original Great Leighs operation closed in 2009.
  • Racing returned to the venue in January 2015 under the name Chelmsford City Racecourse.
  • The course is located near Great Leighs in Essex, a few miles north of Chelmsford.
  • Chelmsford City stages Flat racing on a Polytrack all-weather surface.
  • Floodlighting allows the racecourse to hold evening fixtures throughout the year.
  • The circuit is left-handed and approximately a mile in circumference.
  • Chelmsford City became one of Britain’s small group of specialist all-weather racecourses.
  • The venue has developed new hospitality and entertainment facilities since reopening.
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