Racing: Three tracks for sale

EPSOM, the home of the Derby, as well as Kempton and Sandown racecourses, are to be offered for sale from today. The Levy Board, whose subsidiary United Racecourses runs the three tracks, all in the London area, has finally come to a decision following two postponements in the last six weeks.

Sir John Sparrow, the Levy Board chairman, revealed two years ago the intention to sell up, provided the purchaser could guarantee that racing would continue on the sites. But the disposal was put off because of the collapse of the property market.

Now, despite protests from the UR board and management, worried about the timing of the sale and the worth of guarantees safeguarding their future, the three famous courses are to go on the market.