Horse racing fans will be able to watch the sport on Essex soil for the first time in five years this weekend when a new racecourse opens its doors to the public.

Chelmsford City Racecourse, formerly known as Great Leighs Racecourse, has completed a run of invitation-only test events.

Chairman Joe Scanlon said: “Ticket sales have been very encouraging so far and we have exceeded our expectations for the first few fixtures.

“Although this Sunday is our first non-test fixture, when we will be selling tickets online and at the gate, we still have some areas of the course to complete."

The gates will open at 11.15am with the first race scheduled for 1.15pm.