Moves continue to save Hereford Racecourse

There are continuing moves to save Hereford Racecourse from closure.

Here's an update from this morning's Racing Post:

JOHN WILLIAMS, who spent 30 years as clerk of the course and secretary at Hereford, would look to turn back the clock if given the opportunity to save the track which on Thursday evening races for the first time since the shock announcement five weeks ago that it is to close at the end of the year.

Williams, who has put together a consortium of local racing figures willing to back a £1 million rescue plan, is convinced that the key to success is re-establishing strong links with the area's rural community, something he claims has been lost since Northern Racing - last week rebranded as the Arena Racing Company (Arc) - took over as operators in 2002.

While happy to outline his vision for reviving the venue that regularly showed a small profit under his previous stewardship, the aspirations of Williams and his potential fellow investors - including trainer Venetia Williams - remain on hold pending the outcome of next Friday's meeting between Arc managing director Tony Kelly and John Jarvis, leader of Herefordshire Council which owns the racecourse. That could go a long way towards determining whether there is a long-term future for racing on the site.

The reasons cited by Kelly for shutting the course were that it is no longer viable because of small attendances and a failure to extend a lease that has 17 years remaining.

Having already transferred next year 's fixtures to other tracks within the group, Arc could decide to serve notice to break the lease, negotiate a deal returning it to the council or opt to mothball the circuit. Also on the table is the offer of a new 125-year lease, with the option to build a hotel.

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