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Registered number: 03901331
WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INFORMATION FOR FILING WITH THE REGISTRAR
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 03901331
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
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Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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Total assets less current liabilities
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Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
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The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with the provisions of FRS 102 Section 1A - small entities.
The financial statements have been delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The Company has opted not to file the statement of comprehensive income in accordance with provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 3 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Comprehensive income for the year
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Comprehensive income for the year
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The notes on pages 3 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Worcester Racecourse Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 4th Floor Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. The principal place of business of the company is Worcester Racecourse, Pitchcroft, Worcester, WR1 3EJ.
2.Accounting policies
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Basis of preparation of financial statements
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The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland' and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The disclosure requirements of Section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.
The directors are required to make an assessment of the appropriateness of using the going concern assumption in preparing these financial statements.
Having reviewed the company's financial forecasts and expected future cash flows, and notwithstanding the net liabilities of the company, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Arena Racing Corporation Limited's facility agreement in place with Hightower Finance (Jersey) Limited provides sufficient headroom to enable the company to continue in operational existence considered by the Directors. Assurance has been received from Omaha Business Holdings Corp that it will continue to make funds available to enable the company to meet its obligations as they fall due for the foreseeable future, and at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
Thus, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Foreign currency translation
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Functional and presentation currency
The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.
Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the Statement of comprehensive income within 'finance income or costs'. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in profit or loss within 'other operating income'.
Turnover principally relates to income derived directly from the holding of horse race meetings, including industry related funding from the HBLB, and the non-raceday use of the Racecourse facilities.
Income is recognised once a race meeting or non-raceday event has been held. This includes admissions revenue, other racing income and catering income. In certain circumstances income is taken over the life of the agreement to which it relates, such as rental income and annual memberships.
Media rights
Income received in respect of media rights over the broadcasts from the racecourse is recognised within revenue in the period in which the relevant race meetings are held.
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Operating leases: the Company as lessee
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Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term, unless another systematic basis is representative of the time pattern of the lessee's benefit from the use of the leased asset.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.
All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.
Defined contribution pension plan
The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further payment obligations.
The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.
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Current and deferred taxation
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The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss 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 operates and generates income.
Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
∙The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
∙Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.
Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.
At each reporting date the Company assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined which is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Depreciation 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:
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Long-term leasehold property
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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.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.
At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
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Cash and cash equivalents
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Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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Provisions for liabilities
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Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.
The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Company's Balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.
Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.
Other financial assets
Other financial assets, which includes investments in equity instruments which are not classified as subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the recognised transaction price. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with the changes in fair value being recognised in the profit or loss. Where other financial assets are not publicly traded, hence their fair value cannot be measured reliably, they are measured at cost less impairment.
Impairment of financial assets
At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Financial instruments (continued)
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objective evidence of impairment. If an asset is impaired the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.
If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.
Basic financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after the deduction of all its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusting for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial liabilities that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss). When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade creditors are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Derecognition of financial instruments
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the Company transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained after the transfer to another party, then the Company will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Financial liabilities and equity are classified according to the substance of the financial instrument's contractual obligations, rather than the financial instrument's legal form.
Financial liabilities within the scope of IAS 39 are initially classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.
The Group determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition. All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and in the case of loans and borrowings, plus directly attributable transaction costs.
Subsequently, the measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification as follows:
Derecognition of financial liabilities
A liability is derecognised when the contract that gives rise to it is settled, sold, cancelled or expires.
Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such as an exchange or modification, this is treated as a derecognition of the original liability, such that the difference in the respective carrying amounts together with any costs or fees incurred are recognised in profit or loss.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
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In the application of the company's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors have made the following judgement:
- Determining whether leases entered into by the company are operating leases or finance leases. These decisions depend on an assessment of whether the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred from the lessor to the lessee on a lease-by-lease basis.
- Determining whether there are indicators of impairment of the company's tangible assets. Factors taken into account in reaching such a decision include the economic viability and expected future financial performance of the asset.
Other key sources of estimation and uncertainty:
- Tangible fixed assets
The company recognises fixed assets where such expenditure enhances the racecourse assets, whereas any expenditure classed as maintenance is expensed in the period incurred. Determining enhancement from maintenance is a subjective area. The estimated useful economic lives of fixed assets are based on management judgement and experience.
- Intercompany debtor recoverability
An assessment of intercompany debtor recoverability has been made by the Directors as at 31 December 2025. The recoverability of these debts was based on expected future trade. Due to the material nature of the intercompany balance this is considered a significant judgement area.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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The average monthly number of persons employed by the company, including the directors, during the year was:
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Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
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The company employs casual staff to assist during race days. Casual staff are not included in the staff numbers stated above. Also, the costs above include recharged staff costs from fellow group companies. The staff numbers from the recharged costs are also not included in the numbers stated above.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Long-term leasehold property
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Assets under construction
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Transfers between classes
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Charge for the year on owned assets
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Finished goods and goods for resale
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Amounts owed by group undertakings
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Prepayments and accrued income
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There are no specific terms of repayment attached to the amounts owed by group undertakings.
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Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
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Amounts owed to group undertakings
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Other taxation and social security
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Accruals and deferred income
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There are no specific terms of repayment attached to the amounts owed to group undertakings.
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Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
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Amounts falling due within one year
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Amounts falling due 1-2 years
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Amounts falling due 2-5 years
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Amounts falling due after more than 5 years
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Interest on the loan is charged at 5.25% per annum.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Charged to profit or loss
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The deferred tax asset is made up as follows:
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Accelerated capital allowances
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Allotted, called up and fully paid
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81 (2024 - 81) Ordinary A shares of £1.00 each
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19 (2024 - 19) Ordinary B shares of £1.00 each
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The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund and amounted to £12,863 (2024 - £14,746). Contributions totalling £604 (2024 - £390) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
14.Other financial commitments
The bank loans and overdrafts of the Arena Racing Corporation Group are secured by a legal charge over the racecourse properties in the group.
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WORCESTER RACECOURSE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Related party transactions
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The company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of FRS 102 not to disclose related
party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group.
During the year, the company provided racing services to and received similar services from the following related parties:
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Entities with control, joint control or significant influence over the company
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Fellow subsidiaries and companies under common control
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Amounts due from/(to) related parties
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Entities with control, joint control or significant influence over the company
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Fellow subsidiaries and companies under common control
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During the year, the following income and costs were received from/charged by entities with control over the company:
- Income of £2,201,658 (2024: £1,770,084).
- Interest payable on intercompany loans of £810,701 (2024: £421,614).
- Management fee payable of £289,189 (2024: £132,192).
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The immediate parent company is Arena Leisure Racing Limited . The ultimate parent company is Omaha Business Holdings Corp, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands.
The company's ultimate UK parent is Arena Racing Corporation Limited. Arena Racing Corporation Limited prepares group financial statements and copies can be obtained from Companies House.
The registered address and principal place of business of Arena Racing Corporation Limited and Arena Leisure Racing Limited is Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.
The registered address and principal place of business of Omaha Business Holdings Corp is 2nd Floor, O'Neal Marketing Associates Building, PO Box 3174, Wickham's Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The auditors' report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 was unqualified.
The audit report was signed on 17 September 2026 by Christopher Taylor FCA (Senior statutory auditor) on behalf of Adler Shine LLP.
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