Jockey Club's Plans for Kempton Park Spark Debate Over Development and Racing Future
The Jockey Club, a royal-chartered private body governed by nine stewards selected from around 200 members and described as feudal in tone, faces controversy over its plans involving Kempton Park's all-weather track.
Kempton Park, known for its profitability and hosting the King George VI Chase, is subject to a development option held by Redrow since 2018. Redrow can exercise this option to buy and redevelop the site for housing if planning permission is granted. The option expires in 2028 but may see limited extensions if planning is underway.
Jockey Club CEO Jim Mullen stated that decisions about Kempton are beyond his control and that, since starting his tenure in 2025, no concrete development plans have been made. The existence of Redrow's option was first disclosed by the Sun.
The UK government's pending planning and infrastructure bill, awaiting royal assent, is expected to reduce local councils' capacity to block such developments, potentially facilitating Kempton's sale and redevelopment despite its green belt status.
Opposition to the redevelopment was initially voiced in 2017 by fans, trainers, jockeys, owners, and local authorities. In 2020, an alternative proposal suggested constructing 500 houses while maintaining racing activities at Kempton.
The Jockey Club envisions that proceeds from the sale could fund a new all-weather track at Newmarket, realigning assets away from Kempton. This move aligns with the organisation's long-term goals but raises questions about the wider welfare and governance of horse racing.
