Ex-Great Leighs boss slams 'pathetic' Private Eye claims

THE former owner of Great Leighs racecourse says allegations by current-affairs magazine Private Eye that he is the reason the course has been denied fixtures are "pathetic".

A July 26 Private Eye article claims the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) rejected chairman Keith Brown's 2014 fixtures application because former owner John Holmes was involved.

The former millionaire's dream of running Britain's first new racecourse in 80 years turned into a nightmare when its main creditors, the Royal Bank of Scotland, called in administrators in January 2009, less than eight months after it opened.

Mr Holmes was forced to declare himself bankrupt owing almost £25million and had two properties repossessed.

"To use me as an excuse for the rejection is rubbish and pathetic," said Mr Holmes, 62.

"I have never lurked in the background. I have worked tirelessly to help support Great Leighs to see racing return but why I would want to be associated with something that I failed in I don't know. I am not involved now and won't be in the future."

Mr Holmes is now a consultant to Great Leighs' betting partner BETSI Ltd.

The Private Eye article highlighted how Jill Turner of Great Leighs Holdings, Mr Holmes' long-standing girlfriend, was pictured in a Chronicle article in April. Yet Ms Turner was needed to help with the ground's floodlights planning application, while Great Leighs Holdings Ltd is in charge of handing over land from the old owners to the new.

"There are bigger issues than my involvement," said Mr Holmes.

"There is nothing underhand and I don't believe Great Leighs has had a fair hearing.

"It's a fantastic racecourse in a fantastic position. Its competitors should have concerns if it's allowed to continue."

The BHA have also refused an 'around the table talk' about their verdict, according to Mr Brown.

"If we're being hung out to dry because of what happened in the past that's very, very wrong. It's totally wrong to imply we have any connection with the previous owners," said the 70-year-old grandfather-of-five from Ingatestone.

Mr Brown added: "I have seen Mr Holmes probably twice in the last 18 months."

The former Racecourse Association chairman added: "We have tried to appeal to the BHA to reverse their decision but so far we have failed to do so. We are now seeking legal advice.

"There has been a huge reaction from people in this area who are really, really upset that it's not taking place. Not a day goes by without people commenting on it."

A BHA spokesperson said: "We've made it very clear to Great Leighs that the process had been concluded. We see no reason why another meeting to allay any more concerns is necessary.

"We are of course always open to other applications for next year and we will always work with applicants and assist them."

New owner MC Racetracks also had its first bid for fixtures rejected in May last year.