Towcester entering administration

The future of Towcester racecourse and greyhound track has been placed in doubt after the owners of the course revealed steps are being taken to place the business in administration.

The Northamptonshire jumps track is due to stage three more fixtures this year, while greyhound meetings are staged every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, and also on Saturday mornings.

A statement released by Towcester Racecourse's Facebook page read: "Towcester Racecourse Company Limited, proprietors of Towcester Racecourse, are currently experiencing trading difficulties and are in discussions with key stakeholders and professional advisers on the way forward. However, the directors have concluded that they have no alternative in the short term but to seek court protection and are now taking steps to place the company into administration.

"As a result, it is with regret that the greyhound meetings on this Friday, August 17, and over the weekend at Towcester Racecourse have been cancelled.

"Whilst inevitably there will be considerable interest from customers, supporters and suppliers, the directors ask that they be given time to focus on exploring other options for the business and they anticipate there will be a further update in the next few days.

"The directors remain hopeful that despite the current situation, given the significant history of horseracing and more recently greyhound racing at Towcester, there will be significant interest from potential acquirers."

The racecourse's history dates back to 1876, and in 1928 the first Lord Hesketh formed the present company and established the track under National Hunt rules. It has remained in the ownership of the Fermor-Hesketh family.

The greyhound stadium is a far more recent addition, opening in December 2014. For the last two years the track has staged the Greyhound Derby, the sport's most prestigious race, which was worth £175,000 to this year's winner, Dorotas Wildcat.

16 August 2018