IN one of the most startling developments of recent years, the Jockey Club announced this week that Kempton Park is to close, with major alterations planned for Newmarket and Sandown. The former will have a floodlit all-weather track, while the latter – the new home for the King George VI Chase – will be given a much-needed facelift.

Nothing will happen in the immediate future and Kempton will continue racing until at least 2021. However, the Jockey Club has already drafted proposals for the course to be redeveloped for housing by builders Redrow.