A MAJOR sporting corporation is considering a multi-million-pound bid to take over Hereford racecourse.

Arena Leisure has looked into buying the Holmer Road site, which is halfway through a 50-year lease.

John Williams, clerk of the course, confirmed the interest this week.

"They made an inquiry about two months ago but then I think they looked at most racecourses at the time," he said. National media reports have suggested that Arena turned to Hereford after making an unsuccessful attempt to buy Bath racecourse.

But according to Mr Williams, he hasn't heard from the firm since their initial interest.

"Any offer would have to be put to our shareholders. Bath is a similar size and is said to be worth £3 million so our course must be worth a significant sum."

Hereford Racecourse Ltd leases the site from Herefordshire Council, which owns the freehold. It has a 50-year lease that began on January 1, 1979.

A spokesperson for Arena Leisure would only confirm that they had looked at several sites across the country.