OFFICIALS are reviewing plans to return horse racing back to a track on the Chelmsford/Braintree border which closed in 2009.

The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed they have begun assessing the 2015 fixtures allocation process application for Chelmsford City Racecourse, formerly known as Great Leighs.

If successful, the venue which was bought out by gambling firm Betfred in a joint venture with SIS and Bet Solutions International last December could see flat racing return after a six year break.

Previous applications to rejoin the racing fixtures list made in 2012 and 2013 have been turned down by the BHA for the all-weather surfaced venue.

It is expected to take a few weeks for a decision to be reached on the application.

When the course opened originally in April 2008, it was the first new track in Britain since 1927 but just nine months later was forced to shut after falling into administration.