Ben Hur eat your heart out! It's taken 1,700 years, but chariot racing is coming back to Colchester.

Excited organisers are planning a spectacular fundraiser to match the thrills and spills of the Roman amphitheatre.

The ambitious event, backed by the Gazette, could see Colchester United's Layer Road stadium transformed into a gladiatorial battleground complete with chariot circuit.

The plans were sparked by the astonishing discovery of a Roman stadium at Colchester Garrison. It is the only known Roman circus site in Britain. Thousands of people queued to see the stunning excavations at the weekend.

History fans David Judge and Bob Bacon claim recreating chariot racing could make Colchester famous worldwide.

"We haven't had chariot racing here in Colchester for 1,700 years - it might be the right time to do it again," said Mr Judge.

"We've spoken to Colchester United and they wouldn't object to it being staged at Layer Road, if we can find a convenient date at the end of the season.

"They have a battle there on the pitch every week - we're just going to make it a Roman one!"

One minor difference will be the horses. Colchester's 21st century chariots will be pulled by people.

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Published Tuesday, January 25, 2005

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