80-year-old meeting to be held for the final time.

HORSERACING fans are protesting about a decision to end a traditional Christmas fixture dating back more than 80 years.

Sedgefield Racecourse, in County Durham, will hold its last Boxing Day fixture this year after owner Northern Racing switched it to a course in Sussex.

Sedgefield manager Jill Williamson said staff at the racecourse were disappointed, but said the racecourse had gained three weekend fixtures in the deal. She said: “The decision was out of my hands. It is a complicated process, but basically there are only so many fixtures available each year.

“We have lost a couple of the Tuesdays too, but we have gained two Sundays and a Saturday.

“It should make it easier for locals who cannot make our usual Tuesdays to enjoy a day’s racing, but it is no secret I am disappointed we are losing Boxing Day.

It is a tradition.”

Mrs Williamson’s disappointment is shared by many racegoers, for whom the Boxing Day fixture is part of an annual Christmas tradition.

Spencer Cummins, 42, a postman from Ferryhill, County Durham, said his parents took him when he was young and now he upholds the tradition with his own family.

He said: “It is a terrible shame.

It means the nearest fixture is Wetherby, which is no good if you want to have a drink.

“Going to Sedgefield is part of the Christmas celebrations for me and a lot of people like me.

“You would see the same faces from one year to the next.”

For the past decade, the Metal Drum Company, in Bishop Auckland, has rented a box to hold a Christmas party for about 30 staff and customers each Boxing Day.

Director Jonica Britton said: “It is really a shame.

“It is obviously a well-supported meeting. The place is always busy, but at the same time it is very relaxing.

“It is going to be a huge loss to Sedgefield and it’s a nice course.

“Boxing Day was ideal for us because it is difficult to get people together for the Tuesday meetings and it is not always possible to get people together on a weekend.”

For details of the weekend fixtures, taking place in January, February and March, and Boxing Day booking, call 01740-621925.