Paul Bittar, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said:

“This decision is a matter for Northern Racing and Arena Leisure. We recognise and respect the commercial pressures that lie behind it.

“While British Racing is immensely popular on many levels, and enjoyed record attendances last year, the fact is that the sport’s financial model remains badly outdated. This undoubtedly makes life very difficult for all who depend on the sport for their living and it also impacts upon racecourses, particularly smaller ones.

“We are encouraged to learn that the fixtures transferred as a result of the closures will benefit from increased prize money, but the priority for the whole sport remains the modernisation of our funding mechanism to underpin the future of British Racing and ensure a fair return for all participants.”