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NYR Newbury Racecourse plc

585.00
0.00 (0.00%)
09 May 2024 - Closed
Realtime Data
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Newbury Racecourse plc AQSE:NYR Aquis Stock Exchange Ordinary Share GB0002910429
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 585.00 460.00 750.00 605.00 555.00 585.00 0.00 15:29:43
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Newbury Racecourse Plc Preliminary Results

30/04/2021 2:03pm

UK Regulatory


 
TIDMNYR 
 
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Group to 
  constitute inside information as stipulated under the Regulation 11 of the 
   Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 ("MAR"). With the 
  publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this 
       inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. 
 
                                                                30th April 2021 
 
                            NEWBURY RACECOURSE PLC 
 
                      (the "Racecourse" or the "Company") 
 
         Preliminary results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2020 
 
Newbury Racecourse plc, the racing, entertainment and events business, today 
announces its preliminary results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2020. 
 
2020 Financial and Business Summary 
 
  * Statutory turnover fell by 59% to £8.49m (2019: £20.79m). 
  * Loss before interest, tax and exceptional items of £2.38m (2019: Profit of 
    £1.03m) 
  * Consolidated group loss on ordinary activities before tax of £2.27m (2019: 
    Profit of £0.65m). 
  * Raceday attendances of 12,000 (2019: 178,000) with only four meetings 
    hosting a paying attendance during the year. 
  * The Company was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision 
    by the UK Government to implement a series of national lockdowns and 
    subsequently place restrictions on our business's ability to operate 
    normally. 
  * The Company was initially forced to cease all of its racing, hotel and 
    conference & events ("C&E") trading activities on 17th March 2020 with 
    racing finally resuming behind closed doors on 11th June 2020. A total of 
    20 racedays took place in 2020 (compared with 29 in 2019) with, for the 
    majority, the only income coming from our betting and media rights 
    agreements. To date the hotel and C&E businesses have not reopened. 
  * In response, the Company took specific actions to protect our financial 
    position in both the short and long term, which included a restructuring of 
    the staff overhead, targeted cost reductions, a renegotiation of the 
    banking covenants as well as deferring repayment of the final loan 
    instalment to Compton Beauchamp Estates Limited. The Company also 
    benefitted from the use of the Government furlough scheme and Business 
    Rates relief but did not utilise any of the Government loan support 
    schemes. 
  * In December the Company sold an unused 1.2 acre parcel of land for £1.5m, 
    using some of these funds to purchase the freeholds of ten apartment blocks 
    which were built as part of the racecourse redevelopment. 
 
2021 Update 
 
  * The UK Government announcement on 22nd February 2021 detailing the roadmap 
    out of lockdown means the Company is now in a position to plan accordingly. 
    Whilst our hospitality businesses currently remain closed, the nursery 
    remains open to all children and racing continues behind closed doors until 
    the next level of restrictions are lifted on 17th May 2021. By this point 
    we will have hosted ten racedays in 2021, including the Lockinge Stakes, 
    without paying crowds in attendance. 
  * Providing that all legal restrictions are lifted on 21st June 2021 then the 
    outlook for the remainder of the year looks positive but we remain cautious 
    of the fact that the UK Government guidance could change this situation. 
  * The Company is confident that it has the resources to trade through this 
    period within its current banking facilities. However, due to the 
    uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic and impact that any further 
    UK Government restrictions may potentially have, the Company will hopefully 
    be able to provide further guidance on future financial performance when 
    the interim financial results are reported. 
 
Dominic Burke, Chairman of Newbury Racecourse plc commented: 
 
"2020 was an extremely challenging year for the horseracing industry and our 
business. The decision to suspend all horseracing in March 2020, followed by 
the national lockdown was enormously disruptive with all our operations 
immediately ceasing and several racedays lost. However we were delighted to 
re-open behind closed doors from June 2020 onwards and have continued in this 
manner ever since. Whilst this has been helpful in generating income through 
our media and betting rights agreements, we have lost the significant benefit 
of hosting crowds and being able to generate revenues through catering, 
hospitality and our annual concerts. Our Hotel and Conference & Events 
businesses also closed in March 2020 and have been unable to re-open. We have, 
however, managed to keep our Nursery business open throughout the past year, 
particularly to serve key worker parents. Whilst the site remained closed, we 
provided support to the NHS by offering our facilities as a testing centre and 
for the local community's Meals on Wheels programme. 
 
Following the vaccination rollout programme this year and the UK Government's 
current roadmap out of lockdown we are now in a position to be able to plan 
ahead. The easing of restrictions should enable us to welcome a paying 
attendance at the racecourse from our 10th June 2021 meeting onwards as well as 
make plans to re-open our Hotel and C&E functions later in the year. This will 
include hosting two Party in The Paddocks in August and September as well as 
the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival meeting in November. However, we are still 
mindful that the effects of the pandemic and its impact on society could remain 
for some while to come, so we are prepared for this and can adapt the business 
accordingly, as we demonstrated during 2020. 
 
I remain confident that the redevelopment of the racecourse undertaken in 
recent years has provided us with an exceptional venue that will enable us to 
continue to host racing and other events  of the highest quality in the future, 
as well as having facilities that remain well placed to meet the increasing 
demands of our customers, from horsemen and racegoers, to conference and hotel 
guests, nursery patrons and local residents as and when we are able to welcome 
them back to the racecourse." 
 
For further information please contact: 
 
Newbury Racecourse plc 
Tel: 01635 40015 
Julian Thick, Chief Executive 
Harriet Collins, Marcomms & Sponsorship Director 
 
Allenby Capital Limited 
    Tel: 0203 328 5656 
Nick Naylor/Liz Kirchner (Corporate Finance) 
 
Hudson Sandler 
                                                                       Tel: 
0207 796 4133 
Charlie Jack 
 
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
2020 was an extremely challenging year for Newbury Racecourse plc due to the 
severe impact of COVID-19 causing significant disruption to all parts of our 
business, which continues to this day. The news continues to be dominated by 
the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, although the vaccination programme and easing 
of lockdown plans unveiled by the government provide optimism for the second 
half of 2021. In 2020 the British Horseracing Authority's decision to suspend 
all horseracing in the UK with effect from 17th March 2020 was quickly followed 
by the first UK lockdown. This has been enormously disruptive to our business, 
with all operations being immediately ceased. While we were delighted to be 
able to restart racing 'Behind Closed Doors' in June, the financial impact of 
the loss of a number of racedays and racing crowds was severe and will continue 
to be challenging until we are in a position to welcome crowds back on our 
racecourse without any restrictions. We continue to develop our plans in 
response to the government lockdown easing timetable, with plans in place for 
the Hotel and Conference & Events businesses to relaunch following over a year 
of inactivity in the second half of the year. The Rocking Horse Nursery has 
continued to operate throughout albeit with some financial impact providing 
much needed revenues throughout. 
 
We entered 2020 with ambitious targets and a clear strategy to drive further 
growth in our business and there is no doubt that the impact of the pandemic 
has severely impacted our financial performance. I am confident that the 
difficult decisions and actions taken during the year has meant we are well 
placed to resume full trading activities once circumstances permit. The major 
investment we have made into our racecourse facilities and infrastructure over 
recent years was to position Newbury Racecourse for the future, in line with 
our strategic objective to be a modern and leading racecourse, entertainment 
and events business. This ambition remains unchanged. 
 
2020 Financial Performance 
 
 
Statutory turnover fell by 59% to £8.49m in 2020. We were only able to host 20 
fixtures during the year, compared with the 29 which were planned. 16 of these 
were held with no paying public so we were particularly grateful for our Media 
and Betting Rights to provide much needed income for these days. Total 
statutory racing income was £6.9m (2019: £17.1m) Our only other income of note 
was through the Nursery business, which despite being closed to all except key 
workers children for almost 3 months, generated turnover of £1.22m (2019: £ 
1.47m). Due to their closure from March onwards, our Hotel and Conference & 
Events business income combined was £0.3m compared to £2.17m in 2019. 
 
In order to reduce costs, the business responded to the initial lockdown by 
immediately ceasing all discretionary expenditure. We also utilised the 
Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where possible, a number of staff 
accepted voluntary pay cuts but ultimately we took the difficult decision to 
implement a staffing re?structure and reduce permanent headcount by 30 
employees. 
 
The Operating losses in the year were £2.29m (2019: profit of £0.60m), which 
was net of an exceptional gain of £0.09m (2019: exceptional loss £0.42m). Loss 
after tax was £2.04m (2019: Profit of £0.79m). 
 
 
2020 Racing Highlights 
 
 
The 2020 racing programme was severely impacted by the effect of the first 
national lockdown. We had already lost the 29th February raceday to 
waterlogging before all racing was suspended by the BHA on 17th March. The next 
6 race meetings, including the April Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials and May's Al 
Shaqab Lockinge fixture were all abandoned. 
 
Fortunately racing resumed, albeit behind closed doors, from June with an 
emergency fixtures list and race programme in place for much of the flat 
season. The fixture list returned to normal from September onwards and in the 
Jumps season we were delighted to host the Ladbrokes Trophy once more, where 
Jonjo O'Neill secured his first win with Cloth Cap. Without the presence of a 
crowd and with only those required on site to ensure the day was managed within 
the social restrictions in place, it just wasn't the same atmosphere as we've 
come to expect for this thrilling race. Following the government guidance at 
the time we were able to welcome a small, controlled crowd to our 16th December 
fixture, before quickly resuming behind closed doors once the 'second spike' in 
COVID?19 cases resulted in the third national lockdown being implemented. 
 
The Development 
 
 
The impact of the pandemic on the trading business meant that in order to 
further protect our cash position we immediately cancelled all non-committed 
expenditure. The restoration and refurbishment of the Western End of the 
Berkshire stand that was already underway was completed during the summer. The 
completion of this project marked the end of our major redevelopment of the 
racecourse heartspace and facilities. 
 
 
Our redevelopment has delivered a first class venue so we can continue to host 
racing of the highest quality, as well as having facilities which are well 
placed to meet the increasing demands of the modern day consumer, from horsemen 
and racegoers, to conference and hotel guests, nursery patrons and local 
residents. It is anticipated that the redevelopment will enable us to continue 
to grow our already well diversified business activities and maximise the 
returns from our investment. 
 
The David Wilson Homes residential development continued throughout 2020 after 
a short pause during the first lockdown and is now into its final phase, with 
approximately 950 of the total c.1,500 homes now built and sold, with a further 
80 currently in the construction phase. 
 
 
 
Financing and liquidity 
 
 
In early 2020 we fully drew down the revolving credit facility provided by 
National Westminster Bank plc in order to ensure we had sufficient cash 
reserves as we entered the period of uncertainty caused by the pandemic and 
initial lockdown. In July we agreed with the bank to remove the existing 
covenants and replace them with a single measure, based on minimum liquidity 
levels, tested through to April 2022, by which time we expect to receive £10.8m 
(being the payment balance due in relation to the residential development at 
the racecourse) from David Wilson Homes, a wholly owned subsidiary of Barratt 
Developments plc. We have also agreed to extend the date for the final 
repayment of the loan to Compton Beauchamp Estates Limited from November 2020 
to April 2022 which coincides with the date when we expect the David Wilson 
Homes final payment. 
 
In December we completed the sale of a 1.2 acre land parcel on the Northern 
side of the site for £1.5m, further supporting our cash position. This piece of 
land was acquired in 2004 in advance of the redevelopment for which the 
racecourse had no further use. 
 
Outlook and Market Developments 
 
 
Following the most recent national lockdown, the Government announcement on 
22nd February detailing the roadmap out of lockdown means the business is now 
in a position to plan accordingly. Whilst our hospitality businesses remain 
closed, the Nursery remains open to all children and racing continues behind 
closed doors. 
 
The initial milestone was 12th April when Licensed Betting Shops re?opened, 
generating much needed income to our racedays from this source. We are also 
able to take advantage by hosting a socially distanced pub garden experience 
outdoors. 
 
From 17th May, sporting venues can once again welcome a crowd of up to 4,000 
outdoors so we're pleased that our raceday on 10th June will be able to host a 
paying public in attendance for the first time in almost six months. Our next 
race meeting on 22nd June falls the day after the final date in the Government 
roadmap where they have indicated that all legal limits on social contact will 
be removed. We are yet to establish precisely how this will impact us but we 
are hopeful that crowds will fully return to racing in controlled numbers, 
particularly as we look forward to two Party in The Paddock events on 14th 
August (Olly Murs) and 18th September (Rick Astley). We are also planning to 
relaunch our Hotel and Conference & Events hospitality businesses in late 
summer from their enforced hibernation of almost 18 months. 
 
We are very mindful of our responsibilities as a business to adhere to the 
restrictions that the Government have outlined and are ensuring that we fully 
comply with the advice of the British Horseracing Authority on their 
recommended governance for hosting our racedays. We remain optimistic that the 
vaccination rollout programme and the management of COVID-19 cases mean that 
the roadmap timeline will enable us to proceed with our plans as outlined, so 
that we can look forward to the summer flat season and through to the autumn 
jumps season with crowds and full hospitality. 
 
During 2020 we were proud to have played our part in supporting the local West 
Berkshire community by providing our site to Age Concern for their Meals on 
Wheels programme. We also allowed the NHS free?of?charge use of our facilities 
as a local testing centre. In 2021 the NHS have again used our facility as a 
vaccination centre for the local health practice community. 
 
The Board is confident that the Company has the financial resources to trade 
through this current year, even if further restrictions are put in place, 
particularly if there is a 'third spike' in infections resulting in any further 
national or regional lockdowns.  The difficult actions taken during 2020 have 
put the company in a strong position to recover quickly once the economy fully 
opens up and people return to normal life. The impact of the financial losses 
for the 2020 year and for the first half of 2021 remain substantial, but for 
how much longer remains uncertain. 
 
In conclusion, on behalf of the board, I would like to thank all the staff for 
their continued hard work, resolve and commitment to the business during last 
year's challenging times, and look forward to a better outlook in 2021 and 
beyond. 
 
Our sincere thanks, as ever, to all sponsors, owners, trainers, stable staff, 
members, racegoers and all customers for their ongoing support. 
 
 
DOMINIC J BURKE 
Chairman 
 
30th April 2021 
 
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES 
 
The Board's long term strategy is for Newbury Racecourse to be a profitable, 
leading racecourse, entertainment and events business, with racing at its core. 
One of the key aims of this Strategic Report is to set out and appraise the 
business model through which we deliver that strategy. 
 
THE BUSINESS MODEL 
 
Newbury Racecourse PLC is the parent of a Group of companies which own Newbury 
Racecourse and engages in racing, hospitality and associated food and beverage 
retail activities. In addition, the Group operates a conference and events 
business, a children's nursery, and an on site hotel. Alongside its trading 
activities, the Group also owns freehold property from which it receives annual 
income and also benefits from the sale of residential properties on the site, 
as part of its long term development agreement with David Wilson Homes. 
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW 
 
2020 was a year severely impacted by the global COVID?19 pandemic. The British 
Horseracing Authority's decision to suspend all horse racing in the UK from 
17th March was followed by the Government declaring a national lockdown which 
severely impacted the trading of the business. However, racing was able to re? 
start 'Behind Closed Doors' from June, by which point one of our biggest racing 
fixtures of the year, the Group One Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes, had been lost. 
We were fortunate to benefit from our Media and Betting Rights providing a 
steady income stream although not sufficient to cover the overheads of the 
business. We were also able to take advantage of the Government's Coronavirus 
Job Retention Scheme (furlough) as well as the Business Rates holiday to 
mitigate some of these losses. Unfortunately, to ensure that we could control 
our overheads in response to the uncertain trading outlook, it was necessary to 
re?structure the staffing levels of the business which meant losing 30 
employees to redundancy during the year. 
 
The overall effect of the national lockdown and subsequent restrictions on 
public gatherings and hospitality trading activities has had a significant 
impact on the performance of the business as detailed below. 
 
In December 2020 the company completed the sale of a 1.2 acre land parcel 
commonly known as the Opperman site for a cash consideration of £1.5m. The sale 
price was equal to the asset value held on the Company balance sheet as at 31st 
December 2019. The company separately purchased the freeholds of 10 apartment 
blocks (251 units) built by David Wilson Homes during the racecourse 
development, now providing the company with a future ground rent income stream 
from a total of 13 apartment blocks (617 units). 
 
In order to support the short?term cash position of the company, in April 2020 
the company reached agreement with Compton Beauchamp Estates Limited to defer 
the repayment of the final loan instalment from November 2020 to April 2022. 
 
Racing 
 
The accounts include a total of 20 days racing (2019: 29). Prior to the 
suspension we had already abandoned 1 race meeting on 29th February due to the 
weather (2019: 2 meetings abandoned). The suspension resulted in the loss of 6 
fixtures. Following this suspension, once racing resumed in June, an emergency 
calendar of fixtures was initially put in place. Due to this a further 2 of our 
original fixtures were lost so ultimately the racecourse hosted 8 days National 
Hunt racing (2019: 11) and 12 days flat racing (2019: 18) during the year. Only 
4 of these days were held with a paying attendance; 3 at the start of the year 
plus the 16th December date where a limited socially restricted crowd was 
permitted before the third Government lockdown was implemented. 
 
Overall raceday attendances in 2020 were 12,000 (2019: 178,000). 
 
Newbury's richest race meeting, the Al Shaqab Lockinge Day, was unable to be 
run in 2020. This meeting will continue to be the flagship event in our flat 
racing calendar, with Al Shaqab confirming their continued generous support of 
this race following a five year extension to their sponsorship announced during 
2019. 
 
Our longstanding association with the Dubai International Arabian Races 
Committee continues but sadly their flagship UK race meeting normally hosted at 
Newbury in July was also unable to be held due to restrictions on crowds being 
permitted. We look forward to this returning in future years. 
 
Our cornerstone jump meeting, The Ladbrokes Winter Carnival, at the end of 
November, marked the fourth year of our five year partnership with Ladbrokes. 
This fixture was hosted behind closed doors so we are grateful for their 
continued sponsorship commitment. 
 
 
We were grateful that our media agreement enabled the business to receive 
revenues from this racing income stream during most of 2020. In the year they 
accounted for a significant portion of our income at 49% of total trading 
revenue (2019: 25%). 
 
 
Despite the difficult trading conditions and restrictions our ability to race 
with public attendance, our total prizemoney in 2020 was £2.7m (2019: £5.0m) 
but, like many other racecourses, we will need to carefully manage our future 
prizemoney commitments, as a result of both the ongoing expected decline in LBO 
revenues, uncertainty around future HBLB funding and the impact of the COVID 19 
situation. 
 
We were able to make an Executive Contribution to prizemoney of £0.54m and are 
grateful for the ongoing support of all our sponsors, with particular thanks to 
Al Shaqab Racing, bet365, Betfair, Betway, Dubai Duty Free and Ladbrokes for 
their commitment in 2020. 
 
Conference and Events 
 
The Conference & Events sales team began the year with great optimism following 
the success of 2019. However, the pandemic effectively put a temporary end to 
all business activity with operations closing in March and not resuming since. 
In the meantime, the team have continued to focus on building relationships 
within key sectors, including automotive, telecoms and location filming and we 
were are hopeful that this will benefit the business once it is able to re?open 
in 2021. 
 
Catering, Hospitality and Retail 
 
Our in house catering operation continues to underpin the delivery of food and 
beverage retail activities across all of our businesses, although due to the 
significant loss of activity during 2020 a number of this team were made 
redundant. 
 
The Rocking Horse Nursery 
 
Despite the circumstances the nursery managed to deliver a comparatively strong 
year in 2020 and was a key contributor in a challenging year. The lockdown 
meant that the facility had to close to all except the children of key workers, 
from mid-March to early June, which had a significant impact on our income. 
However, from June onwards the children were able to return in line with 
Government guidelines and by the end of the year it was back operating at near 
optimal capacity. The focus going forward will therefore be on maintaining the 
very highest levels of care and early years learning standards, through 
continued investment in the equipment, facilities and staff training. 
 
The Lodge 
 
The Lodge hotel temporarily ceased operating on 23rd March once the Government 
announced the first lockdown. Due to continued restrictions on public movement 
it has not been open since with all bar one of the staff made redundant during 
the year as they were unable to be re-deployed elsewhere within the business. 
Previously the hotel had delivered good levels of growth over the last few 
years since opening to the general public and we entered 2020 with improvements 
in both average occupancy and average room rates. The Lodge has an important 
role at the racecourse and will continue to fulfil the key raceday requirement 
of providing accommodation to travelling stable staff, in addition to 
supporting our conference, events and wedding businesses. 
 
The Redevelopment 
 
In order to protect the cash position, the company made the decision to suspend 
all non-essential expenditure, so all investment activity was ceased except for 
that already committed. Therefore, the only project completed during 2020 was 
the restoration and refurbishment of the western end of the Berkshire stand 
including new hospitality facilities, racing integrity (camera) positions and 
enhanced public facilities on the ground floor. These were completed at an 
estimated cost of £2.3m. 
 
David Wilson Homes were still able to continue progress with the residential 
development during the year with the Central Area apartments now fully 
completed and sold and with construction continuing in the Eastern Area. 
Approximately 950 homes out of the total c.1,500 are now built and sold with a 
further 80 currently under construction. Cash receipts from DWH from the sale 
of properties in 2020 were £0.1m (2019: £1.09m). The final date for the balance 
of the guaranteed minimum land value to be paid by DWH is April 2022 - as at 31 
December 2020 the recognised balance outstanding was £10.69m. 
 
FINANCIAL COMMENTARY 
 
Consolidated Group loss before tax in the year ended 31 December 2020 was £ 
2.27m (2019: Profit of £0.65m) which includes £0.09m of exceptional profit 
(2019: £0.42m exceptional loss). 
 
Total statutory turnover in 2020 was £8.49m (2019: £20.79m). Overall racing 
revenues fell by £10.21m compared with 2019 (£17.1m). Overall media and betting 
rights revenues decreased by c. £1.57m (35%), to £2.89m for the twelve months 
to 31 December 2020, due to the lower number of fixtures, closure of LBO's 
during the various lockdowns, on top of the anticipated impact of the 
Government FOBT reform, as previously reported. Conference and Events revenue 
was £0.18m (2019: £1.32m) and The Lodge was £0.13m (2019: £0.86m) due to these 
businesses ceasing operations in March. The Nursery turnover was £1.22m (2019: 
£1.47m) which was down 17% predominantly due to the closure from mid?March to 
end of May, with the exception of key worker children only attending. Total 
costs for the year were £11.72m (2019: £20.16m). The overheads were reduced in 
response to lower income being generated, with the majority of savings made 
through a staff re?structure which reduced headcount by 30 (a 27% reduction). 
The company also recovered £0.86m from the Government through the Coronavirus 
Job Retention Scheme grant as well as benefitting from the Business Rates 
holiday. 
 
 
 
Exceptional profits during 2020 were £0.09m (2019: £0.42m exceptional loss) 
being the movement in the fair value of the DWH debtor. 
 
 
Overall operating loss before interest was £2.29m (2019: £0.6m profit). 
Interest payable was £0.15m (2019: £0.13m) due to the interest charges on the 
fully drawn loan facility of £6.0m. The tax credit of £0.23m (2019: credit £ 
0.15m) relates to the movement in deferred tax during the period. Loss after 
tax was £2.04m (2019: £0.79m profit). 
 
The increase in cash reserves of £4.2m in the period (2019: £0.95m decrease) 
includes £5.5m of additional loan drawdown, £0.37m of cash deficit from 
operating activities, £0.1m of cash receipts from DWH in respect of properties 
sold in the period, £1.5m of cash receipts from the sale of the Opperman site 
and is net of £2m of capital expenditure. 
 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 
 
The Group uses raceday attendance, trading operating profit and cash generated 
from operating activities, as the primary performance indicators. Total 
attendance was 12,000 (2019: 178,000). Operating profit is shown within the 
profit and loss account on page 20 and cash generated from trading activities 
is shown within the consolidated statement of cashflows on page 26. 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 
 
 
Impact of COVID?19 
The global pandemic and the necessary restrictions this has placed upon 
business activities and public movement significantly impacted trading in 2020. 
The roadmap outlined by the Government on 22nd February provides the business 
with a clearer guidance on expectations for 2021. These assumptions have been 
factored into the Company's response to this risk which is covered in the 
Chairman's Statement and the Going Concern Basis of Preparation. 
 
 
Cashflow Risk 
The main cash flow risks, under normal trading circumstances, are the 
vulnerability of race meetings to abandonment due to adverse weather conditions 
and fluctuating attendances particularly for the Party in the Paddock events, 
together with the possibility of delayed property receipts from David Wilson 
Homes. The practice of covering the racetrack to protect it from frost and 
investment in improved drainage, as well as insuring key racedays, mitigates 
some of the raceday risk. Regular review of variable conferencing costs reduces 
the impact of a decline in conference sales. The timing and amount of receipts 
from David Wilson Homes is dependent upon the rate of sales of residential 
plots. The risk of delayed receipts is mitigated to some extent by the long 
stop dates in the sale agreement, in respect of the minimum guaranteed land 
value. Short term cash flow risk is mitigated by regular review of the expected 
timing of receipts and by ensuring that the Group has committed facilities in 
place in order to manage its working capital and investment requirements. 
 
Credit Risk 
The Group's principal financial assets are trade and other receivables.  The 
Group's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables.  The 
amounts in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. 
Payment is required in advance for ticket, hospitality, sponsorship, and 
conference and event sales, reducing the risk of bad debt. The David Wilson 
Homes debtor is backed by a Parent Company Guarantee from Barratt Developments 
Plc. 
 
Liquidity Risk 
In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available 
for both ongoing operations and the property redevelopment, the Group uses a 
mixture of term debt and revolving credit facilities which are secured on the 
property assets of the Group.  The Board regularly review the facilities 
available to the Group to ensure that there is sufficient working capital 
available. 
 
Price Risk 
The Group operates within the leisure sector and regularly benchmarks its 
prices to ensure that it remains competitive, as well as having a dynamic 
pricing model in place. 
 
 
Cost Risk 
The Group has had a historically stable cost base.  The key risks are 
unforeseen maintenance liabilities, movement in utility costs and additional 
regulatory costs for the racing business.  A programme of regular maintenance 
is in place to manage the risk of failure in the infrastructure, while utility 
contracts are professionally managed. The Group is a member of the Racecourse 
Association, a trade association which actively seeks to manage increases in 
regulatory risk. 
 
Interest Rate Risk 
The Group manages its exposure to interest rates through an appropriate mixture 
of interest rate caps and swaps, where necessary. 
 
GOING CONCERN 
 
The Board has undertaken a full, thorough and continual review of the Group's 
forecasts and associated risks and sensitivities, over the next twelve months. 
The extent of this review reflects the 22nd February 2021 easing of lockdown 
guidance from the Government as well as specific financial circumstances of the 
Group. 
 
 
 
The Board reviews the cash flow and working capital requirements in detail on a 
frequent basis, whilst during the past twelve months under the current COVID?19 
circumstances the regularity of this scrutiny has increased. 
 
 
Key trading assumptions made within the cash flow projections base case 
scenario include: 
 
.           Racing taking place behind closed doors for the first 10 racedays 
of 2021 until the end of May. 
 
  * Once the government restrictions on attending sporting events is eased, the 
    raceday on 10th June will be held with a  crowd (albeit with social 
    distancing and a capped attendance of 1,000 indoors or 4,000 outdoors). The 
    next milestone on 21st June results in the lifting of all limits on social 
    contact which we have assumed will allow the racecourse to host  an 
    unrestricted attendance for the remaining 18 racedays of the year and into 
    2022. 
 
.           The two 2021 Party in the Paddock concerts in August and September 
will continue to take place as planned with no  crowd restrictions or social 
distancing measures. 
.           Licenced Betting Offices re?opening on 12th April in line with the 
government announcement on the easing of restrictions on non?essential retail. 
.           The Hotel and Conference & Events businesses will generate minimal 
revenue and trade at break?even or make minor losses in 2021. 
.           The Nursery will operate as normal during the year. 
 
Alongside these trading businesses the following additional actions have been 
taken: 
 
.           Newbury will continue to utilise the Government's Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme and furlough staff on a flexible basis where appropriate, in 
accordance with scheme rules. 
.           Business rate relief has been assumed to extend through to the end 
of June 2021, in line with Government guidance. 
.           Agreement was confirmed with NatWest Bank on 31st July 2020 on the 
replacement of existing financial covenants, relating to the fully drawn £6m 
credit facility, with a single minimum liquidity level covenant measure of £ 
1,200,000, through to March 2022. 
 
.           The CBEL loan final payment due in November 2020 has been deferred 
until April 2022. This will coincide with the  current David Wilson Homes 
(under a Barratt Developments plc PCG) payment profile indicates that the 
minimum amount the company can expect to receive by this date will be £10.8m. 
.           2021 Capex has been restricted. 
.           All non?essential expenditure continues to be carefully monitored. 
 
Severe downside Scenario 
 
The impact of COVID?19 is constantly being assessed and the situation (along 
with Government support) is subject to potential change. The Government's 
roadmap on the easing of the lockdown means that the racing and nursery 
operations have been able to plan accordingly. Similarly, the Hotel and C&E 
hospitality businesses, which have been closed since March 2020, will now be 
able to create re?opening plans. Whilst the board is confident that the 
assumptions used in the base case are reasonable, a further scenario has been 
considered. 
 
This worst case is severe and considers the potential of a further Government 
lockdown due to COVID?19. Under this extreme scenario racing would remain 
behind closed doors for the whole of 2021, with no crowds possible until the 
start of next year. LBO's would also remain closed for the remainder of 2021. 
 
In the extremely unlikely scenario that these events do all occur, sufficient 
headroom for liquidity will still continue to be achieved for the next 12 
months without any mitigating measures needed to be put in place. 
 
The Group has committed credit facilities, which are in place as an effective 
bridging facility through to the final David Wilson Homes payment of £10.8m due 
by April 2022, and the Board has concluded that it has a reasonable expectation 
that the Group and Parent Company has adequate resources, banking facilities 
and arrangements in place to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future and therefore the Going Concern basis has been adopted in 
preparing the financial statements. 
 
Nonetheless, as at the date of this report, the possible continued impact of 
COVID 19 provides a level of uncertainty as the situation for the racing 
industry and our other businesses continually changes. The Board continue to 
monitor this routinely and to develop detailed forecasts in response to the 
changing environment and through reviews of mitigation and contingency plans. 
 
SECTION 172 STATEMENT 
 
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires Directors to take into 
consideration the interests of stakeholders and other matters in their decision 
making. The Directors continue to have regard to the interests of the Company's 
employees, members, partners, the horseracing community and other stakeholders, 
the impact of it's activities on the local community, the environment and the 
Company's reputation for good business conduct, when making decisions. In this 
context, acting in good faith and fairly, the Directors consider what is most 
likely to promote the success of the Company and for these stakeholders in the 
long term. For example: 
 
  * The engagement of the business with the horseracing community and 
    stakeholders, such as the Racecourse Association and Horsemen's Group is 
    routinely considered during the board's decision-making process. 
  * The Company has a frequent forum with local residents to ensure 
    communication lines are open & accessible. 
  * The Company continues to regularly engage with Annual members and corporate 
    box holders and to encourage feedback. 
  * We encourage a supportive and inclusive working culture within the business 
    as set out in our 'Uniquely Newbury' employee programme, alongside 
    supporting personal development and promoting wellness & mental health 
    awareness. 
 
Key board decisions made during the year in the interests of overall business 
success set out below: 
 
Significant events/   Key S172 matters  Actions and impact 
decisions             affected 
 
Response to COVID-19  Customers,          * The board met on a very frequent 
                      employees,            basis (often weekly) throughout the 
                      shareholders          year to consider the impact of the 
                                            pandemic on all key stakeholders. 
                                          * In consideration of the health and 
                                            welfare of employees and racegoers, 
                                            government social distancing 
                                            guidelines were strictly followed, 
                                            including, but not limited to the 
                                            cessation of racing and the 
                                            reintroduction of racing behind 
                                            closed doors. With regard to the 
                                            reintroduction of racing, the 
                                            recommendations and requirements of 
                                            the British Horseracing Authority 
                                            were followed as appropriate in the 
                                            interests of all 'racing' 
                                            stakeholder groups. 
                                          * Decisions were made based on the 
                                            best information available and with 
                                            regards to the best business 
                                            outcome, in a continually changing 
                                            situation. 
                                          * The wider impact on the horseracing 
                                            industry was also carefully 
                                            considered with business providing 
                                            appropriate support throughout. 
                                          * With regard to the welfare of our 
                                            local community, during the year we 
                                            took the decision to provide our 
                                            site to Age Concern for their Meals 
                                            on Wheels programme. In 2020 we 
                                            also allowed the NHS use of our 
                                            facilities as a local testing 
                                            centre followed in 2021 with the 
                                            NHS again using our facility as 
                                            vaccination centre for the local 
                                            health practice community. 
 
Restructuring of      Employees           * Decisions were made by the Board in 
staff base                                  consultation with the Executive 
                                            team after carefully considering 
                                            the alternative options, employee 
                                            and business impact. 
                                          * Impacted individuals were properly 
                                            communicated and consulted with and 
                                            correct HR protocols followed. 
                                          * Decisions were made in the 
                                            interests of the business as a 
                                            whole and with a view to ongoing 
                                            sustainability with an employee 
                                            base consistent with the operating 
                                            requirements of the business. 
 
Sale of 'Opperman'    Shareholders,       * The board discussed to ensure that 
site                  local community       the sale was made to the most 
                                            appropriate party who would be best 
                                            placed to deliver local community 
                                            benefit as well as the best value 
                                            for shareholders. 
 
Purchase of apartment Shareholders,       * The board's decision was based on 
freeholds             local community       the long-term interests of 
                                            shareholders, whilst also 
                                            considering the impact it would 
                                            have on engagement with the local 
                                            residents. 
 
 
 
CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
 
Employee Consultation 
The Group places considerable value on the involvement of its employees and has 
continued to keep them informed on matters affecting them as employees and on 
the various factors affecting the performance of the Group and the Company. 
This is achieved through formal and informal meetings, and distribution of the 
annual financial statements. Employee representatives are consulted regularly 
on a wide range of matters affecting their current and future interests with 
our 'Uniquely Newbury' employee engagement programme at the forefront of these 
initiatives. 
 
Policy on Payments to Suppliers 
Although no specific code is followed, it is the Group's and Company's policy, 
unless otherwise agreed with suppliers, to pay suppliers within 30 days of the 
receipt of an invoice, subject to satisfactory performance by the supplier. The 
amount owed to trade creditors at 31 December 2020 is 2% (2019: 4%) of the 
amounts invoiced by suppliers during the year. This percentage, expressed as a 
proportion of the number of days in the year, is 8 days (2019: 16 days). 
 
 
Business Relationships 
 
The Directors recognise the need to foster the company's business relationships 
with suppliers, customers and others. To that effect, the Company have policies 
and procedures in place, by which principal decisions taken by the company 
during the financial year were followed. 
 
 
Disabled Employees 
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, 
bearing in mind the abilities of the applicant concerned. In the event of 
members of staff becoming disabled every effort is made to ensure that their 
employment with the Group continues and the appropriate training is arranged. 
It is the policy of the Group and the Company that the training, career 
development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be 
identical to that of other employees. 
 
Charitable Donations 
During the year the Group made charitable contributions totalling £2,225 to 
national charities (2019: £5,905). 
 
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by: 
 
 
J M Thick 
Chief Executive 
 
30th April 2021 
 
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT 
 
YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
                                                                                     2020                  Restated* 
                                                                                                                2019 
 
                                                          Note                       £000                       £000 
 
                                                          4                         8,487                     20,794 
Turnover 
 
                                                                                  (9,501)                   (17,173) 
Cost of sales 
 
 
Gross (loss)/profit                                                               (1,014)                      3,621 
 
                                                                                  (2,223)                    (2,983) 
Administrative expenses 
 
                                                           5                          857                       - 
Other operating income 
 
                                                                                    -                            388 
Gain on revaluations 
 
                                                           6                           94                      (422) 
Net exceptional items 
 
                                                           7 
Operating (loss)/profit                                                           (2,286)                        604 
 
                                                           9                          171                        169 
Interest receivable and similar income 
 
                                                          10                        (150)                      (126) 
Interest payable and similar expenses 
 
 
(Loss)/profit before tax                                                          (2,265)                        647 
 
                                                         11                           225                        145 
Tax on (loss)/profit 
 
 
(Loss)/profit for the financial year                                              (2,040)                        792 
 
                                                                                  (2,040)                        792 
Owners of the parent 
 
 
 
 
Profit per share (basic and diluted) 
                                         (60.9p)                   23.7p 
 
 
All amounts derive from continuing operations 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 
YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
                                                                                       2020                   Restated 
                                                                                                                  2019 
 
                                                    Note                               £000                       £000 
 
                                                                                    (2,040)                        792 
 
(Loss)/profit for the financial year 
 
 
Other comprehensive income 
 
                                                                                      (600)                      (407) 
 
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit schemes 
 
                                                                                        114                         69 
Deferred tax on actuarial (loss)/gain current year charge 
 
                                                                                          5                          4 
Deferred tax prior year adjustment 
 
 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year                                        (481)                      (334) 
 
 
Total comprehensive income for the year                                             (2,521)                        458 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
 
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
                                                                                          2020                                              Restated 
                                                                                                                                                2019 
 
Note                                                                                      £000                                                  £000 
 
 
Fixed assets 
 
Tangible assets                    14                                                   41,549                                                40,388 
 
Investments                        15                                                      117                                                   117 
 
Investment property                16                                                    -                                                     1,500 
 
 
                                                                                        41,666                                                42,005 
 
Current assets 
 
Stocks                             17                           177                                                   272 
 
Debtors: amounts falling due       18                        14,046                                                13,728 
after more than one year 
 
Debtors: amounts falling due       18                         4,130                                                 4,655 
within one year 
 
Cash at bank and in hand                                      5,529                                                 1,269 
 
 
                                                             23,882                                                19,924 
 
                                   19                       (2,304)                                               (5,384) 
Creditors: amounts falling due 
within one year 
 
 
Net current assets                                                                      21,578                                                14,540 
 
 
Total assets less current                                                               63,244                                                56,545 
liabilities 
 
                                   20                                                  (8,611)                                                 (500) 
Creditors: amounts falling due 
after more than one year 
 
 
Provisions for liabilities 
 
Provisions                         22                                                  (4,169)                                               (3,561) 
 
Pension liability                  25                                                  (1,538)                                               (1,019) 
 
 
Net assets                                                                              48,926                                                51,465 
 
 
Capital and reserves 
 
Called up share capital            24                                                      335                                                   335 
 
Share premium                                                                           10,202                                                10,202 
 
Revaluation reserve                24                                                       75                                                    75 
 
Capital redemption reserve         24                                                      143                                                   143 
 
Profit and loss account                                                                 38,119                                                40,640 
 
 
Shareholders' funds                                                                     48,874                                                51,395 
 
 
Capital grants 
 
Deferred capital grants            26                                                       52                                                    70 
 
 
                                                                                        48,926                                                51,465 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 
YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
                        Called up share capital     Share premium account        Capital redemption       Revaluation reserve   Profit and loss account              Total equity 
                                                                                            reserve 
 
                                           £000                      £000                      £000                      £000                      £000                      £000 
 
                                            335                    10,202                       143                        75                    40,640                    51,395 
At 1 January 2020 
 
                                           -                         -                         -                         -                      (2,040)                   (2,040) 
Loss for the year 
 
                                           -                         -                         -                         -                        (481)                     (481) 
Other comprehensive 
loss 
 
 
                                            335                    10,202                       143                        75                    38,119                    48,874 
At 31 December 2020 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 
YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2019 
 
                        Called up share capital     Share premium account        Capital redemption       Revaluation reserve   Profit and loss account              Total equity 
                                                                                            reserve 
 
                                           £000                      £000                      £000                      £000                      £000                      £000 
 
                                            335                    10,202                       143                        75                    39,830                    50,585 
At 1 January 2019 - 
As previously stated 
 
Prior year adjustment                      -                         -                         -                         -                          352                       352 
 
                                            335                    10,202                       143                        75                    40,182                    50,937 
At 1 January 2019 - 
As restated 
 
Profit for the year ?                      -                         -                         -                         -                          792                       792 
Restated 
 
                                           -                         -                         -                         -                        (334)                     (334) 
Other comprehensive 
loss 
 
 
                                            335                    10,202                       143                        75                    40,640                    51,395 
At 31 December 2019 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
 
YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
                                                                                    2020                   Restated 
                                                                                                               2019 
 
                                                                                    £000                       £000 
 
Cash flows from operating activities 
 
                                                                                 (2,040)                        792 
(Loss)/profit for the financial year 
 
 
Adjustments for: 
 
Exceptional items                                                                   (94)                        422 
 
Amortisation of capital grants                                                      (18)                       (18) 
 
Depreciation charges                                                               1,194                      1,056 
 
Interest paid                                                                        150                        126 
 
Interest received                                                                  (171)                      (169) 
 
Tax credit                                                                         (225)                      (145) 
 
Decrease/(increase) in stocks                                                         95                       (22) 
 
Decrease in debtors                                                                  860                      1,001 
 
(Decrease)/increase in creditors                                                   (450)                        291 
 
Net fair value losses/(gains) recognised in P&L                                    -                          (388) 
 
Corporation tax received                                                             207                       - 
 
Other associated property receipts                                                   236                         12 
 
Pension top up payments                                                            (109)                      (163) 
 
Net cash generated from operating activities 
                                                                                   (365)                      2,795 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
 
Receipts from exceptional sale of fixed assets                                       101                      1,086 
 
Purchase of fixed assets                                                         (2,032)                    (2,855) 
 
Sale of tangible fixed assets                                                      -                              1 
 
Purchase of freeholds                                                              (411)                       - 
 
Sale of investment properties                                                      1,500                       - 
 
Interest received                                                                      7                          7 
 
 
Net cash from investing activities                                                 (835)                    (1,761) 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
 
Receipt of new bank loan                                                           5,500                        500 
 
Repayment of CBEL loan                                                             -                        (2,472) 
 
British Championship loan repayment                                                    9                          9 
 
Interest paid                                                                       (49)                       (25) 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities                                              5,460                    (1,988) 
 
 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                               4,260                      (954) 
 
                                                                                   1,269                      2,223 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year                                       5,529                      1,269 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise: 
 
                                                                                   5,529                      1,269 
Cash at bank and in hand 
 
 
                                                                                   5,529                      1,269 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2020 
 
1. General information 
 
Newbury Racecourse PLC (the "Company") is a public company incorporated, 
domiciled and registered in England in the UK. The registered number is 
00080774 and the registered address is The Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 
7NZ. 
 
2. Accounting policies 
 
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements 
 
The Group and company financial statements have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting 
policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial 
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the 
Companies Act 2006. 
 
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of 
the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Profit and Loss Account in 
these financial statements. 
 
The Parent Company is included in the consolidated financial statements, and is 
considered to be a qualifying entity under FRS 102 paragraphs 1.8 to 1.12. The 
following exemptions available under FRS 102 in respect of certain disclosures 
for the Parent company financial statements have been applied: 
 
. The reconciliation of the number of shares outstanding from the beginning to 
the end of the period has not been included a second time; and 
 
. No separate Parent Company Cash Flow Statement with related notes is included 
 
The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been 
applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. 
Judgements made by the directors, in the application of these accounting 
policies that have significant effect on the financial statements are discussed 
in note 3. 
 
 2.2 Basis of consolidation 
 
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of 
the Company and its subsidiaries Newbury Racecourse Enterprises Limited and 
Newbury Racecourse Management Limited. 
 
 2.3 Going concern 
 
The Board has undertaken a full, thorough and continual review of the Group's 
forecasts and associated risks and sensitivities, over the next twelve months. 
The extent of this review reflects the 22nd February 2021 easing of lockdown 
guidance from the Government as well as specific financial circumstances of the 
Group. 
 
The Board reviews the cash flow and working capital requirements in detail on a 
frequent basis, whilst during the past twelve months under the current COVID 19 
circumstances the regularity of this scrutiny has increased. 
 
The Group closed the financial year with £5.5m cash and fully drawn credit 
facilities of £8.6m, which are in place through to April 2022, by which point 
the final payment of £10.8m from David Wilson Homes will be received. The Board 
has concluded that it has a reasonable expectation that there are adequate 
resources, controls and banking facilities in place to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future and therefore the going concern basis has 
been adopted in preparing the financial statements. The full scenario and 
assumptions used for the future cash flow forecast is detailed in the Strategic 
Report on page 7. Essentially the business has continued in operation over the 
past 12 months, despite the various lockdowns and restrictions in place, due to 
it's ability to race behind closed doors and generate media & betting revenues, 
which it is fully expected will continue to provide stabilised income into the 
future. The Board continue to monitor the situation and develop its detailed 
forecasts to respond the changing environment and to develop mitigation plans 
when necessary. 
 
Whilst inherent uncertainties still exist in the sector with regard to the 
phased reintroduction of full attendances, given the financial position of the 
Company and Group (above), the directors have not identified a material 
uncertainty that may give rise to significant doubt over going concern. 
 
No adjustments have been made that would otherwise be required were the going 
concern basis of preparation for the Company or Group not considered to be 
appropriate. 
 
 2.4 Revenue recognition 
 
Services rendered, raceday income including admissions, catering revenues, 
sponsorship and licence fee income is recognised on the relevant raceday. 
Annual membership income and box rental is recognised over the period to which 
they relate. 
 
Other income streams are also recognised over the period to which they relate, 
for example, ground rents received from residents, conference income is 
recognised on the day of the conference, the Lodge hotel income is recognised 
over the duration of the guests stay and nursery income is recognised as the 
child attends the nursery. 
 
For purposes of improved transparency over revenue, all income relating to 
prizemoney such as HBLB grants and Owner's entry stakes are allocated as 
revenue rather than offsetting cost of sales. 
 
Sale of goods, revenue is recognised for the sale of food and liquor when the 
transaction occurs. 
 
Property receipts 
 
Property receipts are recognised in accordance with the substance of the 
transaction being that of an exceptional sale of land. The minimum guaranteed 
sum, as set out in the agreement with David Wilson Homes, is recognised at the 
point of sale. In accordance with FRS102, at each reporting date, the sum 
receivable is re estimated based upon currently projected land value with the 
difference between this value and the discounted net present value recorded in 
the profit and loss account. 
 
2.5 Investment property 
 
Investment in properties are freehold interests which are held to earn rental 
income. Investment properties are recognised at fair value. 
 
 2.6 Other investments 
 
Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment. 
 
Investments in unlisted Group shares, whose market value can be reliably 
determined, are remeasured to market value at each balance sheet date. Gains 
and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Consolidated Profit and Loss 
Account for the period. Where market value cannot be reliably determined, such 
investments are stated at historic cost less impairment. 
 
2.7 Investment income 
 
Dividends and other investment income receivable are included in the Profit and 
Loss Account inclusive of withholding tax but exclusive of other taxes. 
 
2.8 Lease assets receivable 
 
Lease assets receivable relates to freeholds that the Group has acquired, or 
has the option to acquire, from David Wilson Homes.  The freeholds concerned 
relate to residential apartment buildings constructed as part of the overall 
residential development.  Individual apartments in the development were sold by 
David Wilson Homes to purchasers under long term leases, typically of 125 
years. Under the terms of their long term leases, lessees are required to pay 
'ground rent' to the freehold owner for the duration of their lease.  As the 
majority of the risks and rewards, for much of the life of the property, lie 
with the lessee, the Group does not recognise a fixed asset in relation to the 
freehold to the extent attributable to the lease. 
 
These are initially recognised at fair value which is calculated based on the 
net present value of future cashflows arising from the ground rents receivable 
over the lease term. This also represents the market value of the freehold 
agreed at the time of the underlying transaction. These amounts are included in 
the balance sheet as debtors less than and greater than one year. Ground rent 
receipts relating to the period, are applied against the net receivable 
balance. The leases receivables are monitored for indications of impairment by 
comparing the net present value of future rentals receivable to the carrying 
value of the lease receivable.  Where there is a shortfall in the present value 
of the future ground rents receivable, an impairment of the carrying value of 
the lease receivable is recognised. 
 
2.9 Tangible fixed assets 
 
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and 
any provision for impairment. 
 
Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is charged so as to 
allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated 
useful lives, using the straight line method. 
 
Depreciation is provided on the following basis: 
 
Freehold buildings and outdoor fixtures               2% - 5% straight line 
 
Tractors and motor vehicles                                   5% - 10% straight 
line 
 
Fixtures, fittings and equipment                            2% - 25% straight 
line 
 
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are 
reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an 
indication of a significant change since the last reporting date (see note 3). 
 
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the 
carrying amount and are recognised in the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account. 
 
2.10 Impairment of assets 
 
Financial assets (including trade and other debtors) 
 
A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed 
at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that it 
is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that 
a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that 
the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that 
asset that can be estimated reliably. 
 
An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost 
is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present 
value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset's original 
effective interest rate. For financial instruments measured at cost less 
impairment an impairment is calculated as the difference between its carrying 
amount and the best estimate of the amount that the Company would receive for 
the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date. Interest on the impaired 
asset continues to be recognised through the unwinding of the discount. 
Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. When a subsequent event 
causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment 
loss is reversed through profit or loss. 
 
Non financial assets 
 
The carrying amounts of the entity's non financial assets are reviewed at each 
reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If 
any such indication exists, then the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. 
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is the greater of 
its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in 
use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value 
using a pre tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of 
impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped 
together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from 
continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets 
or groups of assets (the "cash generating unit"). 
 
An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU 
exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in 
profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated 
first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units, and 
then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit (group of 
units) on a pro rata basis. 
 
Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting 
date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An 
impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount 
does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. 
 
 2.11 Impairment of fixed assets and goodwill 
 
Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortisation are assessed at each 
balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets 
are impaired. Where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the 
carrying value of the asset (or cash generating unit to which the asset has 
been allocated) is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for 
the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. 
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's (or CGU's) fair value less 
costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, 
assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately 
identifiable cash flows (CGUs). Non financial assets that have been previously 
impaired are reviewed at each balance sheet date to assess whether there is any 
indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer 
exist or may have decreased. 
 
2.12 Stocks 
 
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Provision is 
made for obsolete, slow moving or defective items where appropriate. 
 
2.13 Repairs and renewals 
 
Expenditure on repairs and renewals and costs of temporary facilities during 
construction works are written off against profits in the year in which they 
are incurred. 
 
2.14 Non recognised financial information 
 
The profit and loss account includes measures which are not accounting measures 
under UK GAAP which are used to access the financial performance of the 
business. 
 
2.15 Cash and cash investments 
 
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions 
repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. 
 
Cash which is held on deposits that are not accessible with less than 24 hours' 
notice, is deemed to not be liquid and is therefore classified as cash 
investments on the balance sheet. 
 
2.16 Provisions for liabilities 
 
Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the Group a legal 
or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of 
economic benefit, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation. 
 
Provisions are charged as an expense to the Consolidated Profit and Loss 
Account in the year that the Group becomes aware of the obligation, and are 
measured at the best estimate at the Balance Sheet date of the expenditure 
required to settle the obligation, taking into account relevant risks and 
uncertainties. 
 
When payments are eventually made, they are charged to the provision carried in 
the Balance Sheet. 
 
2.17 Dividends 
 
Where dividends are declared, appropriately authorised (and hence no longer at 
the discretion of the Group) after the balance sheet date but before the 
relevant financial statements are authorised for issue, dividends are not 
recognised as a liability at the balance sheet date because they do not meet 
the criteria of a present obligation in FRS102. 
 
2.18 Current and deferred taxation 
 
The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is 
recognised in the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, except that a charge 
attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other 
 
comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also 
recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively. 
 
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in 
the countries where the Company and the Group operate and generate income. 
 
Deferred tax is provided on timing differences which arise from the inclusion 
of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in 
which they are recognised in the financial statements. The following timing 
differences are not provided for: differences between accumulated depreciation 
and tax allowances for the cost of a fixed asset if and when all conditions for 
retaining the tax allowances have been met; and differences relating to 
investments in subsidiaries, to the extent that it is not probable that they 
will reverse in the foreseeable future and the reporting entity is able to 
control the reversal of the timing difference.  Deferred tax is not recognised 
on permanent differences arising because certain types of income or expense are 
non taxable or are disallowable for tax or because certain tax charges or 
allowances are greater or smaller than the corresponding income or expense. 
 
Deferred tax is provided in respect of the additional tax that will be paid or 
avoided on differences between the amount at which an asset (other than 
goodwill) or liability is recognised in a business combination and the 
corresponding amount that can be deducted or assessed for tax.  Goodwill is 
adjusted by the amount of such deferred tax. 
 
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rate that is expected to apply to the 
reversal of the related difference, using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date. For non depreciable assets that are measured 
using the revaluation model, or investment property that is measured at fair 
value, deferred tax is provided at the rates and allowances applicable to the 
sale of the asset/property. Deferred tax balances are not discounted. 
 
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the 
extent that is it probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of 
deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. 
 
2.19 Grants 
 
Capital grants 
 
Capital grants received, apart from HBLB grants, are accounted for as deferred 
grants on the Balance Sheet and credited to the Profit and Loss Account over 
the estimated economic lives of the asset to which they relate. Capital grants 
are in deferred capital grants on the Balance Sheet as the associated works 
have been performed and it is not in any way repayable. 
 
Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) grants 
 
The HBLB provides funding to racecourses which is used to support racing 
activities. HBLB grants are accounted for under the performance model in line 
with standard industry practice. HBLB grants are credited to the Profit and 
Loss Account as revenue in the month of the raceday, the corresponding debtor 
is carried on the Balance Sheet until the cash is received. 
 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
 
The Government has provide grants, such as The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
grants are accounted for under the performance model in line with accounting 
standards, with grants credited to the Profit and Loss Account as other 
operating income in the month of the corresponding payroll expense. The 
corresponding debtor is carried on the balance sheet until the cash is 
received. 
 
2.20 Pensions 
 
Defined contribution plans and other long term employee benefits 
 
A defined contribution plan is a post employment benefit plan under which the 
company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal 
or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for 
contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an 
expense in the profit and loss account in the periods during which services are 
rendered by employees. 
 
Defined benefit plans 
 
A defined benefit plan is a post employment benefit plan other than a defined 
contribution plan. The entity's net obligation in respect of defined benefit 
plans is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees 
have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that 
benefit is discounted to 
 
determine its present value. The fair value of any plan assets is deducted. 
The entity determines the net interest expense (income) on the net defined 
benefit liability (asset) for the period by applying the discount rate as 
determined at the beginning of the annual period to the net defined benefit 
liability (asset) taking account of 
 
changes arising as a result of contributions and benefit payments. 
 
The discount rate is the yield at the balance sheet date on AA credit rated 
bonds denominated in the currency of, and having maturity dates approximating 
to the terms of the entity's obligations.  A valuation is performed annually by 
a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method.  The entity 
recognises net defined benefit plan assets to the extent that it is able to 
recover the surplus either through reduced contributions in the future or 
through refunds from the plan. 
 
Changes in the net defined benefit liability arising from employee service 
rendered during the period, net interest on net defined benefit liability, and 
the cost of plan introductions, benefit changes, curtailments and settlements 
during the period are recognised in profit or loss. 
 
Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability/asset is recognised in other 
comprehensive income in the period in which it occurs. 
 
2.21 Borrowing costs 
 
Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at the proceeds 
received, net of direct issue costs.  Finance charges, including premiums 
payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs are accounted for on 
an accrual basis in the profit and loss account using the effective interest 
method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent 
that they are not settled in the period which they arise. Debt issue costs are 
initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital 
instrument. 
 
2.22 Financial instruments 
 
Trade and other debtors / creditors 
 
Trade and other debtors are recognised initially at transaction price plus 
attributable transaction costs. Trade and other creditors are recognised 
initially at transaction price plus attributable transaction costs. Subsequent 
to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less any impairment losses in the case of trade debtors.  If 
the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, for example if payment is 
deferred beyond normal business terms, then it is measured at the present value 
of future payments discounted at a market rate of instrument for a similar debt 
instrument. 
 
Interest bearing borrowings classified as basic financial instruments 
 
Interest bearing borrowings are recognised initially at the present value of 
future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, interest bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method, less any impairment losses. 
 
Fair value measurement 
 
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are classified by level 
of fair value hierarchy as follows: 
 
Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or 
liabilities. 
 
Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. 
 
Level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable 
market data. 
 
2.23 Exceptional items 
 
Directors exercise their judgement in classification of certain items as 
exceptional and outside the Group's underlying results. The determination of 
whether items should be separately disclosed as an exceptional item or other 
adjustment requires judgement on its materiality, nature and incidence. 
Accounting transactions related to the DWH agreement are considered outside the 
ordinary course of business, see note 5 for further detail. 
 
2.24 Non recognised financial information 
 
The Consolidated Profit and Loss Account includes measures which are not 
accounting measures under UK GAAP which are used to access the financial 
performance of the business. These measures which are termed 'non GAAP' include 
reference to EBITDA within the Strategic Report. 
 
3. Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation 
uncertainty 
 
In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are described in 
note 2, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not 
readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions 
are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be 
relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and 
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to 
accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is 
revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the 
revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future 
periods. 
 
Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies 
 
The following are the critical judgements, apart from those involving 
estimations (which are dealt with separately below), that the directors have 
made in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies and that have 
the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial 
statements; 
 
David Wilson Homes 
 
The fair value of the long term David Wilson Homes debtor balance is determined 
with reference to current market conditions and to reflect the risks specific 
to the balance due. Estimates include the current value of the land as 
determined by the agreed parameters of the land sale agreement with David 
Wilson Homes, together with the application of a suitable discount rate. 
 
Impairment of assets 
 
Determining whether assets are impaired requires an estimation of the value in 
use of the cash generating units to which assets have been allocated. The value 
in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows 
expected to arise from the cash generating unit and a suitable discount rate in 
order to calculate present value. The carrying amount of tangible fixed assets 
and investment property at the Balance Sheet date was £41.7 million. No 
impairment loss was recognised in 2020 as there was no further indication of 
impairment required (2019:  no impairment loss). 
 
Residual values and useful economic lives 
 
The Group's tangible fixed assets are reviewed, whenever there is a relevant 
change in circumstances or after relevant review, in order to assess whether 
the residual values and useful economic lives continue to be appropriate for 
calculating depreciation in the period. There was no change in residual values 
or useful economic lives during 2020. 
 
 
4.    EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 
 
                                                                                 2020                       2019 
 
                                                                                 £000                       £000 
 
                                                                                  (6)                        (3) 
 
      Net book value of asset disposal 
 
                                                                                  100                      (419) 
      DWH debtor movement in fair value 
 
 
                                                                                   94                      (422) 
 
 
 
     In accordance with note 2, accounting transactions related to the DWH 
     agreement are considered outside the ordinary course of business. 
 
5.             PROFIT PER SHARE 
 
Basic and diluted profit per share is calculated by dividing the loss 
attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year ended 31 December 2020 of £ 
2,040,000 (2019 restated: profit £792,000) by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares during the year of 3,348,326 (2019: 3,348,326). 
 
6. EXPLANATION OF PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS 
 
   The group has restated comparative financial information in order to bring the 
   accounting treatment of the leasehold asset receivable in line with the 
   requirements of FRS 102. 
 
   In 2012, under the terms of the David Wilson Homes land sale agreement, part of 
   the consideration arising from David Wilson Homes was an option to purchase, at 
   a substantial discount to market value, the interest in the ground rents of the 
   new residential apartment buildings. This had been recognised in the financial 
   statements as a lease receivable of £3.56m for the present value of all 
   expected future rentals is recognised at 31 December 2016, with any ground 
   rents received being netted off against the debtor. 
 
   On further consideration, the accounting of the present value of the lease 
   receivable has been updated to reflect the length of the leasehold period of 
   125 years, and to split out the value of the exercised freehold option that has 
   been purchased to be held as freehold property. 
 
   The effect on the financial statements as at 1 January 2019 is an increase in 
   the lease asset receivable of £0.18m, an increase in freehold property of £ 
   0.17m and an increase in profit and loss reserve of £0.35m. The impact on 2019 
   profit for the year is £0.16m (effective interest on unwinding of discount 
   applied to receivables) and the impact on the balance sheet at 31 December 
   2019, is an increase in lease asset of £0.34m, an increase in freehold property 
   of £0.17m and an increase in profit and loss reserve of £0.51m. 
 
                                                                 At 1 January 2019        At 31 December 2019 
 
                                                                              £000                       £000 
 
 
   RECONCILIATION OF EQUITY 
 
                                                                            50,585                     50,881 
   Equity reported prior to restatement 
 
   Prior period adjustment: 
 
   Recognition of effective interest on lease asset                            352                        514 
   receivable 
 
                                                                            50,937                     51,395 
 
 
 
                                                                                  2019 
 
                                                                                  £000 
 
 
   RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 
 
                                                                                   630 
   Profit for the financial period previously reported 
 
   Recognition of effective interest on lease asset                                162 
   receivable 
 
 
                                                                                   792 
 
NOTES 
 
The financial information set out above does not constitute the company's 
statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2020 or 2019, but is derived 
from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2019 have been delivered to the 
Registrar of Companies and those for 2020 will be delivered following the 
company's annual general meeting. 
 
The information included in this announcement is taken from the financial 
statements which are expected to be dispatched to the members shortly and will 
be available at www.newburyracecourse.co.uk. 
 
This announcement is based on the Company's financial statements, which are 
prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), including 
FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of 
Ireland and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 that are applicable to 
companies reporting under UK GAAP. 
 
Neither an audit nor a review provides assurance on the maintenance and 
integrity of the website, including controls used to achieve this, and in 
particular whether any changes may have occurred to the financial information 
since first published.  These matters are the responsibility of the directors 
but no control procedures can provide absolute assurance in this area. 
 
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial information differs from legislation in other jurisdictions. 
 
This preliminary statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 29 April 
2021 
 
 
 
END 
 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 30, 2021 09:03 ET (13:03 GMT)

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