ARE Arena Events Group Plc

RNS Number:7695V
Arena Leisure PLC
16 December 2005



                                                                16 December 2005

                          ARENA LEISURE PLC ("Arena")

                 ARENA SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR DONCASTER RACECOURSE

                      LADBROKES ST LEGER RELOCATED TO YORK

Arena Leisure Plc, the UK's largest operator of horseracing fixtures, is pleased
to announce the signing of its agreement with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough
Council ("DMBC") which will enable the start of a #32 million redevelopment of
the Doncaster Town Moor Racecourse, home of the world's oldest classic
horserace, the St Leger.

The redevelopment will include the construction of a state-of-the-art grandstand
and exhibition and conference centre, together with a new on-site stables
complex and a new weighing room and accommodation block for racing
professionals. Planning permission for the redevelopment was received on 22
November 2005.

To facilitate the works, the racecourse will close in January 2006. It is
scheduled to reopen in July 2007, in time for the Ladbrokes St Leger meeting in
September 2007. The Ladbrokes St Leger meeting will move to York in September
2006 for one year only. Doncaster's 28 annual race fixtures will mainly be
relocated to other Arena racecourses during the period of closure.

The agreement between Arena and DMBC has created a limited liability company, in
which Arena has an 81% stake. This company will have a 99-year lease over
Doncaster Town Moor Racecourse. During the first 30 years of the venture, Arena
will receive 92.5% of the profits of this company. Along with a share of the
profits, DMBC will also receive a guaranteed annual rental income for the
duration of the lease.

Mark Elliott, Chief Executive of Arena Leisure Plc, said;

"We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Doncaster Metropolitan
Borough Council and to have received planning permission for the redevelopment.
Doncaster Racecourse is in a fantastic location and with a great tradition as
home to the St Leger, the world's oldest classic race. We look forward to
transforming the racecourse, providing its customers with facilities worthy of
such a prestigious race and making Doncaster Racecourse a world class leisure
and racing venue."

Arena will be holding an analyst visit today at Royal Windsor Racecourse.  No 
new material information or update on current trading will be provided.

                                    - ENDS -

For further information please contact:

Arena Leisure Plc
Mark Elliott, Chief Executive             020 7495 2277

Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
David Rydell / Zoe Sanders                020 7861 3232




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