Officials at Great Leighs still have obstacles to overcome if the new Essex racecourse is to be given official permission to stage its first meeting next Sunday.

A testing session was this Sunday met with enthusiasm by a contingent of invited trainers and jockeys but the course must yet negotiate a visit from the British Horseracing Authority's inspectorate.

While entries will have already been made for the firstfixture, the Polytrack venue cannot afford to rest on its laurels as it has been dogged with problems before and since the intended start date some 18 months ago.

"We were very pleased with the outcome of the track trials at Great Leighs yesterday andthe feedback from those that took part was excellent," BHA media relations manager Paul Struthers told the Racing Post. "There will now be an inspection on Thursday at which a final decision will be taken as to whether Great Leighs will be able to race on Sunday, April 20.

"There are still a significant number of safety-related issues that need to be addressed ahead of Thursday in order for Great Leighs to meet the requirements of our general instructions for racecourses.

"However, while there remains a lot to do, passing the inspection is achievable."
A total of 20 horses representing seven trainers on Sunday worked over distances from five to 10 furlongs around the left-handed oval Polytrack.

Top female rider Hayley Turner said of the track: "It rode very well. I went from the mile start and led Richard Mullen, who reported a bit of kick-back, but as with any new surface that will take a bit of time to bed in.

"We were there to make sure the track was safe and it certainly was."

Great Leighs spokeswoman Pippa Cuckson added: "It did go terribly well which was very pleasing, but there's still a fantastic amount of work still to do.

"The jockeys liked it which was the most important thing."