Great Leighs racecourse is set to receive the go-ahead as England's first new course since the 1920s.
It will put Chelmsford on the map as the first purpose-built all-weather racetrack in the UK.
It will introduce the style of everyman racing that has been standard in the US for decades but using polytrack rather than cinders.
It is expected that the British Horse Racing Board, alarmed by a dramatic drop in the sport's share of betting levies, will back owner John Holmes' high-tech plan for a £40 million course and stadium with other facilities at the Leighs showground.
An announcement from the Horse Racing Board is expected on Tuesday.The aim is for new punters to be attracted to betting both on course and via the internet.
There will also be 'virtual racing' generated from a satellite TV studio to be incorporated in the futuristic grandstand planned for the former county show ground.
Mr Holmes' team says it has a three year advantage over competitors - a virgin site and full planning permissions to bring a world-breaking new sporting venue to the Essex county town.
After Tuesday negotiations will begin with construction companies, leisure industry partners and the bookmakers to get everything ready for a first race, probably in September 2004.
Published Friday, June 6, 2003
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