Newcastle gets all-weather thumbs up

The British Horseracing Authority has given its blessing for Newcastle's Flat track to be converted to an all-weather surface.

The Arena Racing Company applied for permission to build a floodlit straight mile course with a view to holding all-weather fixtures from the 2016 season onwards.

The BHA undertook a lengthy period of consultation before giving the project the green light after receiving guarantees about the quality of races that would be staged at Gosforth Park.

BHA chief executive Nick Rust admits that it was not a decision that was taken lightly, but it was felt that it was time to bring all-weather racing to a northern venue.

“This was not a straightforward decision for the BHA Board, with a number of factors taken into account, and the matter discussed at some length,” he said.

“We are conscious that a broad range of views exist within the sport as to the proposals at Newcastle, but were mindful in particular of the demand that exists for an all-weather track in the north