IT HAS been under starters orders for years and some never thought it would happen but Essex's very own horse racing venue has finally opened.

Great Leighs racecourse tested its facilities on invited guests on Sunday and despite a misty start the sunshine came through to make the day even better.

The course was given the go-ahead by the British Horseracing Authority in June 2003 to become Britain's 60th track but has been dogged by delays.

Owner John Holmes said he has not compromised on the £40million project and he has ticked all the right boxes.

There have been 7,000 applicants for the 2,000 membership list.

Essex Racing Club manager Barry Root was one of the invited guests and said it was wonderful to have such a facility on the doorstep.

"It's been a hard slog for the owner but it's looking to be extremely attractive and will be supported by loads of people," he said.

Tony Browne, a racehorse owner, flew in from Galway to watch his horse run in one of the afternoon's races and said the facilities were fantastic.

The first past the post at the racecourse was Temple of Thebes whose owner picked up £1,800 prize money.

The racecourse is due to open to the public at the end of May.