John Whittingdale was a guest at Great Leighs which will be the first new horse racecourse in nearly a century.
It is also vying to be chosen as the site for equestrian events of the London Olympic bid is successful. During his visit Mr Whittingdale met John Holmes, the owner of the site to discuss the £40 million pound investment which incorporates a state of the art stadium, landscaping, all-weather racecourse and stabling at Essex County showground.
Commenting on his tour, Mr Whittingdale admitted, “I have the occasional flutter myself. In fact I was at Newmarket recently and lost £50! I am very impressed with the plans for Great Leighs and what it will do to put the county on the sporting map.”
