HEREFORDSHIRE Council have said they are "delighted" that racing will return to Hereford.

As reported last night, four fixtures will take place at Hereford Racecourse at the end of the year, the first taking place on Thursday, October 6.

The last meeting that occured  was in December 2012.

"The council is delighted to see the reopening of Hereford Racecourse," said Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for contracts and assets.

"It is a central part of the local community and will have a beneficial effect on the local area.

"In recent months we have positively engaged with ARC (Arena Racing Company) and welcome the investment it is making to bring racing back to the city.

"We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with ARC for the benefit of the county.”

The four fixtures will take place on the following dates...

Thursday, October 6 (transferred from Worcester Racecourse)

Monday, October 31 (transferred from Southwell Racecourse)

Wednesday, November 23 (transferred from Fontwell Park Racecourse)

Monday, December 19 (transferred from Lingfield Park Racecourse)

ARC have confirmed that Hereford Racecourse will be part of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) fixture process for 2017 and the course will will hold racing between October and April.

Around a dozen fixtures a year will be held, the company added, although this is still to be determined.

ARC is now in the process of recruiting someone to manage the racecourse and will also utilise the extensive experience of existing team members within the company.

“We are delighted to be reopening Hereford Racecourse which has long been popular with racing fans," said Martin Cruddace, chief executive at ARC.

"We hope this will be seen as a positive development for both the local community and british racing as a whole. 

“The announcement confirms our long term commitment to grassroots jump racing in Great Britain.

"I would like to thank Herefordshire Council and the BHA for their ongoing assistance and we are grateful for the help and support we continue to receive from both organisations.

"We look forward to welcoming owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and racing fans back to Hereford Racecourse in October to enjoy jump racing.”

"The course will provide a greater spread of opportunities for horses and another venue for racing fans to enjoy the sport throughout the winter months," he said.

"The racecourse had always retained its licence and as such the BHA has facilitated the transfer of a small number of fixtures from other ARC racecourses to Hereford Racecourse for 2016.

"For 2017 the racecourse will take part in the 2017 Fixture Process in the same manner as the other 59 courses.”

Philip Freedman, chairman of the Horsemen's Group, added: "It has always been a popular track and horsemen will no doubt show their support once racing recommences in October.

"Jump racing need tracks such as this and it is a positive sign for its future that we can once again look forward to years of sporting action at Hereford Racecourse.”