A BID to build the first new racecourse in Britain for 70 years at the former HMS Daedalus naval air base at Lee-On-Solent is still under starter's orders, it has been pledged.

Droxford publican Paul Mulle said today he was "more confident now than ever before" that the ambitious scheme to transform the 496-acre site into the best racecourse in the world would go ahead.

His comments came as his vision for a ten-furlong all-weather track - which it is hoped would also include an equine centre of excellence - was touted in the national racing press as one of just six in the country which could get the backing of the British Horseracing Board.

The BHB, the body which allocates race meetings to the 59 existing courses in the country, has set a deadline of next Tuesday for proposals for a new racecourse for the 2001/2002 season.

Mr Mulle's plan, which won a national competition in 1995, involves creating year-round racing at the redundant base. It would be the only racecourse in Hampshire if approved.

Plans involve a grandstand, floodlights and both flat and national hunt racing.

But although Mr Mulle, 69, head of a consortium operating under the banner Solent Racing, has revealed he and his backers won't be lodging an application next week, he said he was still in talks with Fareham planners and was keeping the BHB abreast of developments.

"We are in very close touch with Fareham Borough Council. We have taken the view, perhaps unlike some of the other people proposing race tracks elsewhere, that it is very important to get the planning elements right before putting in a detailed submission the BHB.

"But I know they are behind the principle of what we are doing.

"Daedalus is slap bang in the middle of the South's tourist area with 15 million people visiting the area every year," he added.

"We are hoping to create the best racecourse in Britain and Europe. We have a business plan already which is secure, indeed probably over-cautious.

"I sincerely believe the potential for success is absolutely enormous."

A council spokesman confirmed they were in discussion with Mr Mulle and his proposal was being considered.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.