If you’ve heard whispers about Kempton Park’s closure, you’re not alone. From conversations at local Preston pubs to national media headlines, there’s been plenty of speculation around whether this historic racecourse is shutting down for good. But what’s the actual status? Is Kempton Park still hosting races, or are we seeing the end of one of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues?
As people from Preston to Portsmouth keep an eye on what’s happening in the horse racing world, this article cuts through the confusion to explain the current reality, the history of the closure discussions, and what it all means moving forward.
Is Kempton Park Racecourse Currently Open or Closed?
Contrary to the common belief that Kempton Park has already closed, the racecourse remains open and fully operational. It continues to host a full calendar of flat and jump races and serves as a multi-purpose events venue.
The Jockey Club, which owns Kempton Park, recently reaffirmed its operational status, stating there has been “no change in Kempton Park’s status.”
While some elements on-site, such as the Kempton Park Market, are temporarily closed for the festive season and will reopen in January 2026, the racecourse itself is not affected by this.
This clarity is especially important for racing enthusiasts in Preston, many of whom may have believed that Kempton Park was no longer hosting events. For now, the racecourse remains an active part of British horse racing.
Why Was Kempton Park Originally Proposed for Closure?
The closure story began in January 2017, when The Jockey Club revealed an ambitious plan to sell the Kempton Park site for residential development.
The proposal aimed to deliver up to 3,000 new homes on the racecourse grounds. The motivation behind the plan wasn’t just property profit—it was positioned as a way to generate £500 million in funding to reinvest in British horse racing.
This proposed funding was earmarked for a range of improvements, including:
- A new all-weather racecourse in Newmarket
- Major upgrades to Sandown Park
- Broader support for racing infrastructure
While the idea was intended to support the long-term future of the sport, it was immediately met with intense criticism. Racing professionals, local communities, and heritage groups raised concerns about losing a venue so central to the UK’s racing identity. Even within Preston, where fans closely follow national races, the proposal was seen as damaging to the fabric of British racing.
Have There Been Any Changes to the Original Redevelopment Plan?
Yes, and they’ve been significant. By February 2020, The Jockey Club had scaled back its original proposal. The revised version suggested a smaller-scale housing development that could potentially co-exist with continued racing operations at Kempton Park.
The shift in approach came partly in response to strong community and industry pushback, but also due to the site’s designation as green belt land.
Local authorities have labelled the racecourse as “strongly performing green belt,” making it more difficult for planning permission to be granted. As a result, the proposal’s scope was narrowed to better align with planning policy and public sentiment.
The racecourse now sits in a sort of limbo, operating as usual, but still facing long-term uncertainty depending on how future planning discussions unfold.
Who Holds the Rights to Develop the Kempton Park Site?
The property development company Redrow currently holds a legal agreement giving them the right to purchase Kempton Park, but only if planning permission is granted. This agreement is not open-ended, it’s set to expire in 2028, although it may be extended to 2030 if a planning application is being considered at that time.
As of now:
- No planning application has been submitted
- No approvals have been granted
- Racing continues at Kempton Park
This legal arrangement places the future of the site in a state of uncertainty. While Redrow has expressed interest in promoting the site for housing development, nothing is final, and racing remains the primary activity on the premises.
What Kind of Redevelopment Is Being Proposed?
The original vision for redevelopment included building up to 3,000 residential units, alongside supporting infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and public amenities. However, given the strong planning resistance, any future development would likely be more modest in scope.
A more balanced redevelopment might:
- Include fewer housing units
- Maintain part of the site for racing or community events
- Emphasise green space preservation
- Ensure traffic and environmental concerns are addressed
The dual-use potential, where racing continues alongside residential development, is an idea gaining traction. This model could allow Kempton Park to retain its historical relevance while contributing to housing needs in the South East.
What Are the Implications for British Horse Racing and Fans in Preston?
For fans in Preston, Kempton Park’s fate may seem like a distant concern, but the reality is that national changes affect everyone in the racing community. Kempton Park is not just another track; it is home to the King George VI Chase, a race of deep historical importance that is broadcast nationwide and followed closely by punters and professionals alike.
If the racecourse eventually closes, it could result in:
- The relocation of high-profile races to tracks like Sandown Park
- Fewer All-Weather training facilities near London
- Additional strain on other racecourses accommodating more events
For Preston-based trainers, owners, and fans, such changes affect travel schedules, betting patterns, and even television coverage. The racing ecosystem is interconnected, and the loss of a key venue inevitably impacts the national circuit.
How Does Kempton Park Compare to Other Key Racecourses in the UK?
Understanding how Kempton Park fits into the broader racing landscape can help put its potential closure into perspective.
| Racecourse | Location | Type | Key Events | Future Status |
| Kempton Park | Sunbury-on-Thames | Flat & Jump | King George VI Chase | Operational, uncertain long-term |
| Sandown Park | Esher, Surrey | Flat & Jump | Coral-Eclipse Stakes | Likely to receive more events |
| Ascot | Berkshire | Flat | Royal Ascot | Stable and high-profile |
| Newbury | Berkshire | Flat & Jump | Lockinge Stakes | No change expected |
| Aintree | Liverpool | Jump | Grand National | Stable and secure |
As seen above, Kempton Park’s closure would leave a notable gap, particularly in the South East’s racing infrastructure. While alternatives exist, none offer quite the same combination of history, accessibility, and multi-surface racing.
What Is the Outlook for Kempton Park’s Future?
The short answer is: uncertain but active. While plans for closure and redevelopment have not been entirely abandoned, nothing is imminent. The developer’s purchase rights are conditional and time-bound, and local authorities remain resistant to any proposals that compromise green belt land.
Until 2028 (or 2030 if extended), Redrow retains the right to pursue development—but that doesn’t guarantee success. And in the meantime, Kempton Park will continue to operate as a racecourse, with no change in its day-to-day activities.
So for now, racing fans from Preston to the South East can still look forward to televised events, betting opportunities, and the continued excitement that Kempton Park delivers each season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kempton Park Racecourse still open?
Yes, it is fully operational and continues to host a full schedule of races and events.
Why did the Jockey Club want to close Kempton Park?
The closure was proposed to fund £500 million in upgrades across British horse racing, including new tracks and improvements to existing venues.
Has any planning permission been granted for redevelopment?
No. As of now, no planning application has been submitted or approved.
When is the earliest Kempton Park could close?
If planning permission is granted, the earliest closure could happen around 2028, but this is not guaranteed.
What is Redrow’s role in the closure plans?
Redrow holds an agreement giving them the right to purchase the site if planning permission is obtained.
Can racing continue even if development happens?
Revised proposals suggest that some racing could continue, depending on the scope of the development.
How does this affect people in Preston?
While not local, Kempton Park is part of the national racing network. Any closure impacts racing coverage, events, and the racing calendar followed by many in Preston.
