A RACECOURSE beset by problems may lose next year’s fixtures if a buyer cannot be found in two weeks.

Great Leighs Racecourse is in the hands of administrators Deloitte and needs a new owner and operator by May 11, when a decision will be made about its 2010 fixtures.

It was the first new track to open in Britain since 1927 when it was unveiled last year – but there has been no racing since January, when it went into administration.

Paul Struthers, spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority, said: “The administrators are on record as saying they won’t be partaking in the 2010 fixture process in the absence of a buyer of the racecourse, or an operator to run it.

“In the absence of that, our board will be deciding at a meeting on May 11 whether or not Great Leighs can play a part in the 2010 fixture process.”

Mr Struthers said the fixtures were produced six months before the calendar year started up and were being worked on.

He said the course could have at least 28 fixtures in 2010 if its problem could be solved.

Jamie Harley, spokesman for Deloitte, said discussions were continuing for a new owner and operator, including talks with the Royal Bank of Scotland which was approached as the main creditor.