Thursday 4 June 2015 13:35, UK
Officials at Catterick are hoping to push forward with their plans for an all-weather track after the project was granted planning permission earlier this week.
The application was approved by the planning committee of Richmondshire District Council at a meeting on Tuesday with the existing turf track to be replaced by a new floodlit all-weather surface under the proposal.
The jumps track is due to remain in place on the outside of the new course, with both tracks sharing the all-weather bends.
However, Catterick's managing director John Sanderson insists the project is dependant upon the venue being granted the necessary extra fixtures to make the project a viable option.
He said: "We are delighted to have secured planning consent for our AWT proposal at Catterick.
"This now means there is a legitimate floodlit AWT option for racing in the north, something we know that northern owners, trainers and jockeys really need.
"We are very grateful for the fantastic support our proposal has received from both the horseracing community and from the people of Catterick and Richmondshire.
"The feasibility of the project remains contingent on Catterick securing the necessary additional fixtures to justify the circa #11million investment required to bring the proposal to fruition.
"We remain in dialogue with the British Horseracing Authority regarding this crucial issue."
Trainer Alan Swinbank, who is based in nearby Richmond, welcomed the proposed venture.
"I think it would be marvellous," he said.
"The north has been crying out for something like this as places like Lingfield and Wolverhampton are a marathon to get to.
"It would be a really great starting point for lots of our horses, especially during the winter."
