Arena Leisure has agreed an interim management arrangement for Doncaster Racecourse with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, which is expected to lead to the company taking over full control of the site.

Arena is the preferred bidder to enter a joint venture partnership with the council and has reached an agreement to manage the racecourse on an interim basis until 31 December 2004.

During this time it is expected the joint venture agreement will be completed giving Arena the full-time management contract for the track.

Arena’s chief executive, Ian Penrose, said: “We are delighted to have concluded interim management arrangements for Doncaster racecourse and we expect to conclude the joint venture partnership with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council latter this year and begin the immediate transformation and rejuvenation of the racecourse.”

Ted Taylor, Arena’s chief operating officer, will assume the title of managing director of the racecourse, alongside his position as managing director of Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Arena will take over the management from Doncaster Racecourse Ltd, which the council claims has breached its contract and is currently involved in litigation to resolve.