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The Lost History of Chelmsford Horse Racing



David Dunford's new book Full Circle delves into the 250-year history of horse racing in Chelmsford. Contrary to popular belief, the Chelmsford City Racecourse at Great Leighs did not introduce the sport to the area; it had been part of Esex life for centuries.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, horse racing was the major entertainment across England. Essex alone hosted races in towns like Brentwood, Maldon, and Colchester, but Chelmsford’s races were the most popular.

Though local lore suggests racing at Galleywood Common began in the time of Charles I, the first recorded race took place in 1759. By the 1770s, the local gentry built a grandstand on the common, separated from the worling class.

Racing back then was very different. Gambling wasn’t organised and betting mostly happened among the wealthy. Horses raced less frequently, often traveling long distances by foot, so they were older. The races themselbes were long, with three or four-mile heats, often starting at a trot and only galloping in the final mile.

For the rich, races were just one part of larger social events+balls+dinners+concerts. Some even found the races boring, instead focusing on these social gatherings. A report from the 1800s describes these events, mentioning that many aristocrass and beautiful people attended.

For the working class, however, the races were a thrilling day out. The atmosphere was carnival-like, with side shows, boxing booths, jugglers, and plenty of beer tents. But the races also attracted criminals. In 1831, a local paper noted an unusually large number of pickpockets. Another time, a captain lost £400, which would be worth £30,000 today, to a thief who vanished.

Some of the country’s best jockeys raced at Chelmsford, including Fred Archer, whose tragic end was foretold at Galleywood. A gypsuy woman predicted his death, and seven years later, Archer tragically shot himself.

In the 1860s, under the stewardship of Admiral Henry Rous, the Chelmsford races hit their peak. A new grandstand opened in 1863, and by the 1870s, the course was uniqe, encircling a church. But despite improvements, racing's popularity began to decline. The aristocracy lost influence, and new forms of entertainment competed for attention.

As the 20th century approached, Chelmsford's horse racing struggled against growing industrialisation, with local factories offering more competitive social activities. Chelmsford's races, held on common land, could only charge admission to the grandstand, which limited income. By 1880, flat racing ended, and the course shifted to steeplechasing.

World War I led to a halt in racing, with the grandstand converted for military use. After the war, racing resumed briefly, but crowds slowly fadef. The final race at Galleywood was in 1945.

However, Chelmsfords racing history didn’t end there. In 2008, a new all-weather track opened at Great Leighs, and today, Chelmsfor City Racecourse hosts over 60 meetings a year, alongside events like concerts, echoing the grand social gatherings of the past. Horse racing in Chelmsford has come full circle.

#post note: I gathered and rewrote in my own words these relevant bits of Chelmsford Racing nostalgia by reading Julian Reeds excellent article: The lost history of Chelmsford horse racing (published: 3rd April 2018)

 Sandracer @ 4:25 pm, January 29, 2025  

The history of Great Leighs all-weather racetrack and its transformation into Chelmsford City Racecourse involves several key developments over the years:

Great Leighs Racecourse:
Opening: Great Leighs Racecourse was the first entirely new racecourse in the UK since Taunton in 1927, opening in April 2008. It was developed by entrepreneur John Holmes and his son, Jonathan, on the site of the old Essex County Showground. The aim was to serve the large unserved market in Essex, which had no racecourse despite its significant population.

Initial Challenges: Despite its innovative approach with an all-weather Polytrack, the racetrack faced several issues. The opening was delayed multiple times, and when it did open, it was criticized for incomplete visitor facilities, although the racing surface itself was considered fair.

Financial Difficulties: Attendance did not meet expectations, and the course entered administration in January 2009, losing its temporary racing license. This led to a halt in racing activities.


Transition to Chelmsford City Racecourse:
Reacquisition and Rebranding: In November 2011, MC Racetracks bought the course, but their bid to host races in 2013 was rejected by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). However, late in 2013, a syndicate led by Fred Done, proprietor of Betfred, purchased the track with plans to rebrand it as Chelmsford City Racecourse.

Approval and Reopening: After several attempts, the BHA approved Chelmsford City to host fixtures in 2015. The track reopened for racing on January 11, 2015, with an invited crowd, and full public access resumed on January 22, 2015. The first race was won by Tryster, trained by Charlie Appleby.

Improvements and Growth: Since its reopening, Chelmsford City has made strides to improve facilities, including plans for a new turf course inside the all-weather track and the development of a casino. It has become one of the busiest all-weather racecourses in the UK, hosting numerous events and establishing itself as a significant venue for both racing and entertainment.


Significant Points:
Chelmsford City Racecourse retained the all-weather track from Great Leighs, which remains a Polytrack surface, known for being fair to horses and popular among trainers.

The transition from Great Leighs to Chelmsford City involved not just a name change but also a significant overhaul in management and infrastructure to address the previous shortcomings and to ensure financial viability.


This overview encapsulates the factual journey from Great Leighs to Chelmsford City, highlighting both the operational and infrastructural changes that led to its current status.

 AI @ 4:29 pm, January 29, 2025