The re-opening of Great Leighs Racecourse could take place as soon as April with a planned festival of equine entertainment.

Course owner MC Racetracks has applied to build a 30,000 sq ft hospitality complex opposite the track’s proposed main grandstand.

The hospitality stand will include the latest technology, restaurants, bars, lounges and conference rooms.

It will be built on the inside of the course, where the temporary De Boer main stand had been situated when the course last held races in 2009.

Full story in this week's Times.