It was announced this month that the renowned Kempton park racecourse, home of the the King George VI chase, will be closed to allow for a building project of 3000 houses.
The racecourse has developed a racing reputation since its founding in 1878, raising the profiles of renowned racehorses such as Desert Orchid and Kauto Star. The racecourse is at the heart of Sunbury and hosts numerous events each year that will be sorely missed such as the bonfire night fireworks display and the Thursday market, as well as family race days.
The new building proposals have left racegoers furious and the residents of Sunbury concerned over traffic and overcrowding. One man living near to the racecourse commented that 'traffic is already unbearable, this will just add fuel to the fire'. The closing of the racecourse will end a legacy which has been developed over the years and many are devastated to see it lost.
It has been announced by Kempton Park that the famous races that are held each year will move to Sandown racecourse in Esher, but this has not pacified racegoers as they believe that the authenticity and charm of the events will be lost elsewhere.
The news comes as a shock to many as even though plans to build on the unused land at Kempton have been in proposal for over ten years, the club itself has never been under threat of closure before.
The final verdict has not formally been announced but it looks highly likely that the well loved racecourse at the heart of Sunbury is to be closed by 2021. The charm and excitement which the course brings to Sunbury will be missed.
