A shocking revelation has sent shockwaves through the racing world, reigniting a controversial debate that many thought was settled. The future of Kempton Park, home to the prestigious King George VI Chase, hangs in the balance once again.
In a recent announcement, Jim Mullen, CEO of the Jockey Club, dropped a bombshell, stating that Kempton's fate is "out of my hands." This statement has sparked outrage among trainers and racing enthusiasts, reminding us of a saga that began in 2017.
January 2017: The Beginning of a Storm
The new year brought unsettling news for Kempton. The Jockey Club, promising a significant investment in British racing, proposed a redevelopment plan that included closing Kempton and turning it into a housing complex. This decision sent ripples of dismay throughout the racing community.
The Jockey Club's plan involved partnering with Redrow, a construction company, to build up to 3,000 homes, contingent on raising £100 million. Alongside this, they announced the construction of a new floodlit all-weather course in Newmarket and the relocation of the King George VI Chase to Sandown.
A United Front Against Closure
The reaction to this news was unanimous and passionate. Renowned trainers like Nicky Henderson, Venetia Williams, and Alan King voiced their strong opposition. Henderson, a multiple King George-winning trainer, expressed his fear and emphasized the course's importance to jump racing. Williams and King also spoke out against the decision, with King suggesting the King George be moved to Ascot if Kempton closed. Even jockeys like Tom Scudamore and Jamie Moore joined the chorus of dissent.
Colin Tizzard, trainer of Cue Card and Thistlecrack, went a step further, declaring his willingness to do anything to keep Kempton operational. The opposition extended beyond the racing community, with figures like David Elsworth, Sir Mark Prescott, and even MPs questioning the right to sell Kempton. However, Robert Waley-Cohen, a Gold Cup-winning owner, offered a different perspective, suggesting that Kempton's future should depend on improving Sandown's racing surface.
March 2017: McManus Steps Forward
At a quarterly Jockey Club meeting, the majority backed the controversial scheme, but one powerful voice dissented - JP McManus. As an honorary member of the Jockey Club, McManus made his opposition known.
December 2018: A Glimmer of Hope
Nearly two years after the initial closure announcement, the Jockey Club proposed a development at Sandown, including 300 homes and a hotel. This proposal offered a ray of hope for Kempton, as Spelthorne Borough Council had not yet given its final response to the 3,000-home application at Kempton. In February of that year, the council stated that the land was "strongly performing" its purpose as green belt land and was "unlikely to be considered for housing."
February 2020: A Reprieve for Kempton
More than three years after the initial closure plans, Kempton received a much-needed reprieve. The Jockey Club announced a scaled-back development program, reducing the number of houses to be built to 550. This development would still allow racing to continue at Kempton, with the focus on its car park.
December 2025: The Saga Continues
Fast forward to the present, and fears for Kempton's future have resurfaced. In a recent announcement, Jim Mullen revealed that Redrow still has an option to develop Kempton, despite stressing that there are no firm plans or agreements in place. This statement has reignited the debate and left many wondering about Kempton's fate.
And here's where it gets controversial: with the Jockey Club's focus on investing in Aintree and Cheltenham, will Kempton be left behind?
What do you think? Should Kempton be preserved as a racing landmark, or is it time for a new chapter in its history? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
