Holmes joy as track gets off to Great start in Essex

The relief was palpable. By the time of the third race, rays of sunshine had broken a gloomy afternoon and for those who had toiled in the face of adversity — driven on by the unflinching belief of owner John Holmes — the future suddenly looked that much brighter.

They're off: Pixie's Blue (No.6) flies the stalls in the opener

Holmes said: "There were times when you felt like giving up, but I look in the mirror every day knowing that it is my choice."

A shadow had hung over Great Leighs until as late as Friday morning when the British Horseracing Authority finally gave their blessing for the opening meeting to proceed.

Just a few hundred owners, trainers, press and invited guests were on hand to see the launch of Britain's first new racecourse since Taunton in 1927, one that Holmes hopes will break into the lucrative American market and establish itself as Britain's flagship all-weather course. By the end of yesterday's seven-race card involving 61 runners, it was not hard to envisage this becoming one of racing's biggest success stories.

Trainer John Gosden, who saddled Escape Route to win the 10-furlong handicap, said: "This is an exceptional track, full marks to them. They have spared no expense and have built a proper track. All the top trainers will be using it."

Ed Dunlop, who saddled the opening winner, was also full of praise. He said: "I'm thrilled that they have got it going. It is great for us Newmarket trainers."

The track's failure to meet schedules meant that the course lost more than 100 fixtures which, including penalties imposed by the BHA, left Holmes' project £1.5million in the red.

Yesterday's fixture was the first of six that will take place without paying customers. The public will not be able to see the new track until May 28-29. If Holmes was stricken with anxiety before the first race, by the time Kirsty Milczarek had pushed Pocket Too home by a nose in the third, he looked a man on the road to vindication. The worst said about the track was that it rode slow and had kickback.

But after years of uncertainty, false dawns and too many storms, Holmes now has something to smile about. His dream is now a reality.