RACING is expected to take place at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Thursday after a nationwide shutdown due to flu came to an end.

Punters were disappointed after last Thursday’s meeting at the venue was abandoned following an outbreak of equine flu.

Last Thursday, the British Horseracing Authority announced all racing events across the country were cancelled for an indefinite period as a precaution.

But on Monday night the BHA announced the shutdown would come to an end tomorrow (Wednesday, February 13) meaning this week's event at the Great Leighs venue is set to go ahead as planned.

The BHA’s chief regulatory officer, Brant Dunshea, said: “After analysis of thousands of samples, and no further positive tests on Monday, we still only have two confirmed sites of infection.

“We have put robust containment measures in place around both.

“This risk has been assessed and, based on the evidence - and ensuring biosecurity measures are in place - the level of risk is viewed as acceptable.”